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 socks and a fresh shirt can change your whole day. I know how much it matters to feel like yourself, especially when you're headed to a job interview, an appointment or a new start.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask, "Where can I get a shower, laundry or no cost clothes near me?" Then use this guide for ideas, places to call and a few tips that stretch every dollar.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise items or a spot in any program.
• Clothing closets and shower days change week to week. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I get no cost clothes?

No cost clothes usually come from clothing closets at churches, missions, shelters and day centers. Some open on set days, and some give out a voucher you can use at a thrift store.

The best way to find what's open this week is a quick call.

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Ask about vouchers

Some shelters and churches hand out vouchers for thrift stores. It never hurts to ask, "Do you have a clothing voucher?" Easy peasy!

Where can I take a shower?

Showers are often at day centers, missions and some shelters. Times can change, so call first.

• Dial 211 and ask for "showers" or "day center" near your city or ZIP.
• In Cleveland, Malachi Center offers walk in showers, hygiene products and laundry. West Side Catholic Center offers showers and hygiene support at its Resource Center, and says you don't need an ID.
• In Cincinnati, Mary Magdalen House offers no cost showers and no cost clothing.
• In Columbus, Star House is a drop in center for youth ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness, with showers, laundry, clothing and hygiene items.
• Details and hours are in the county section of this guide.

Sources: https://www.malachicenter.org/programs-services/programs/shower-program and https://www.wsccenter.org/gethelp and https://chpl.org/services/community-resources-guide/ and https://www.starhouse.us/

How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?

• Ask about no cost laundry. Some day centers, churches and shelters offer laundry days. In Cincinnati, Laundry Love holds no cost laundry nights at laundromats in Westwood, Walnut Hills and Clifton. In Cleveland, Malachi Center offers no cost laundry every day, 9:30 am to noon.
• Wash a few things often. Socks and underwear by hand in a sink, with a little soap, then hang to dry.
• Use less soap. A small scoop gets clothes clean and saves money.
• Air dry. Hanging clothes saves dryer money and helps them last.
• Keep one clean outfit set aside for appointments and interviews.

Sources: https://chpl.org/services/community-resources-guide/ and https://www.malachicenter.org/programs-services/programs/shower-program

Feeling fresh isn't a luxury. It's part of taking care of you, and you deserve that.

From the Bunklow team

How do I get hygiene items like soap, diapers and pads?

Here's something a lot of folks don't know: the USDA says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene items, cleaning supplies and paper products. So these items usually come from other places.

• Food pantries. Many pantries keep some hygiene items, diapers or pads. Ask when you visit.
• Shelters and day centers. Many hand out basic kits.
• 211. Ask for "hygiene items," "diapers" or "period products" near you.
• Community drives. Churches and groups often collect these items. Ask what's coming up.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items

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Keep a little kit with you

A zip bag with a toothbrush, a few wipes, deodorant and a spare pair of socks fits in any backpack. It's a small thing that helps a lot.

How do I take care of myself in hot weather?

These are simple, common sense ideas, not medical advice.

• Drink water often, even before you feel thirsty.
• Wear light colored, loose clothes and a hat when you can.
• Change into dry socks to keep your feet healthy.
• Rest in shade or cool places like libraries during the hottest hours.
• The National Weather Service says heat stroke is an emergency. If someone is confused, very hot or passes out, call 911.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

How do I stay warm and dry in cold weather?

Ohio winters can bring snow, ice and very cold wind. These are simple ideas, not medical advice.

• Dress in several loose, warm layers instead of one heavy layer. Wear a hat, gloves or mittens, and cover your face and neck when it's very cold.
• Change out of wet socks and clothes as soon as you can. Wet clothes pull heat from your body fast.
• The National Weather Service says frostbite is most likely on uncovered skin, hands and feet, and that hypothermia can set in within minutes in extreme cold. If someone is very cold, confused or can't get warm, call 911.
• Warming centers. Many Ohio cities and counties open warming centers and add winter shelter beds when it's very cold. Dial 211 and ask what's open near you tonight.
• Libraries can be a warm, safe place during the day. See Guide 12.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold

Where can I get diapers and period products?

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank in Cincinnati notes that diapers aren't covered by programs like SNAP or WIC, so diaper banks help fill the gap. Most diaper banks don't hand out diapers directly.

They supply partner agencies, like social service offices, clinics and churches.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.sweetcheeksdiaperbank.org/

• Ohio diaper banks. The National Diaper Bank Network lists members in cities including Canton, Centerville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Trotwood and Youngstown. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/member-directory/
• Columbus. The Columbus Diaper Bank works with community agencies to give diapers to Central Ohio families. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.columbusdiaperbank.org/
• Canton and Stark County. The Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank offers diapers for children, adult briefs, and period supplies for teen girls and women, through community partners. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.heartofohiodiaperbank.org/
• Dayton. Gem City Diaper Bank serves families on WIC, SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based insurance, by application. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.gemcitydiaperbank.org/
• Anywhere in the state, dial 211 and ask for "diapers" or "period products." Ask your child's school nurse about period products too.

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Ask at WIC and the pantry too

WIC can't buy diapers, but WIC clinics and food pantries often know which nearby groups hand them out. It never hurts to ask. You've got this!

What should I wear to a job interview?

You don't need anything fancy. Clean, neat and comfortable is what matters most.

• A clean shirt with a collar or a simple top.
• Pants or a skirt without holes.
• Clean, closed toe shoes if you have them.
• Ask clothing closets for "interview clothes." Some keep them set aside.
• OhioMeansJobs centers help with job searches and resumes at no cost. See Guide 6 for how to find one near you.

Are there ways to stretch money for clothes and basics in Ohio?

Yes, a few real ones.

• Ask 211 about back to school drives. Many groups hand out no cost backpacks, school supplies and uniforms in late summer. Ask your child's school counselor too.
• If your family is staying with others, in a motel or a shelter, your child's school district has a homeless liaison who can help with school supplies and other needs. See Guide 10.
• Ask about no cost laundry days, like Laundry Love in Cincinnati or Malachi Center in Cleveland.
• Check a clothing closet or thrift store before you buy new. In Toledo, United Way 211 lists no cost clothing at Helping Hands of St. Louis Church, Faith Lutheran and Southside Life Station.

Sources: https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lucas-County-Quick-Guide-to-Basic-Services-Oct-2025.docx.pdf and https://chpl.org/services/community-resources-guide/

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://www.wsccenter.org/gethelp and https://www.starhouse.us/ and https://www.1800runaway.org/

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You deserve to feel good

Taking care of yourself is never selfish. I'm happy you're here, and I hope today brings you something fresh and good!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are places that can point you to clothes, showers and hygiene help near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.

Ohio

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Franklin County (Columbus)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hamilton County (Cincinnati)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County (Dayton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lucas County (Toledo)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Stark County (Canton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Ohio counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan for this week

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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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

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 18, 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 18, 2026