Clothing and Hygiene

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. A hot shower, clean clothes and a few basic things can make a hard day feel a little lighter. I'm really glad you picked this up. There are places in North Carolina that offer just that.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask where you can get a shower, laundry or clothes near you. We'll walk through the rest together.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place sets its own days, hours and rules. Call ahead when you can.
• You deserve to feel clean and comfortable. Asking is okay.

Where can I get a shower or do laundry?

Day centers and some shelters offer showers, laundry, meals and a place to rest during the day. In Charlotte, the Roof Above Day Services Center at 945 N.

College St. offers showers, laundry and lunch; call 704.347.0278. In Raleigh, Oak City Cares is open for walk ins Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Their details are later in this guide.

NC 211 can tell you about other places near you.

Sources: https://nc211.org/ and https://oakcitycares.org/contact-us/

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Ask about mail too

Some day centers let you get mail there. That can help with job and benefit applications.

Where can I get clothes?

Shelters, day centers and some churches have clothing closets. Ask 211 for a clothing closet near you.

If you need clothes for a job interview, ask your local NCWorks Career Center or a shelter if they know of a program.

What about warm clothes in winter?

North Carolina weather swings a lot. Summers are hot and humid, so water, shade and sunscreen matter.

Mountain winters get freezing cold, so warm layers, a hat, gloves and dry socks matter there. Ask shelters and day centers about coats in the fall, and on a very hot or cold day, call 211 and ask about cooling or warming centers.

Where can I get hygiene items?

Day centers, shelters and some food pantries give out things like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and period products. Ask when you call.

Some places have them ready in small kits.

Questions people ask a lot

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You deserve to feel good

Taking care of yourself is not a small thing. It's a real step, and I'm proud of you.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
• Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across North Carolina, then day centers and shelters in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

North Carolina

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Wake County (Raleigh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your county DSS)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My care plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026