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 Allegheny County, drop in engagement centers open at different times and serve different groups. The county keeps a list at https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters/
• In Philadelphia, dial 311 or 211 and ask which day programs near you have showers.
• In Montgomery and Bucks counties, the Your Way Home Helpline (610.278.3522) and the Housing Link Helpline (1.800.810.4434) can connect people experiencing homelessness with outreach and services.

How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?

• Ask about no cost laundry. Some day centers, churches and shelters offer laundry days. Ask 211.
• 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.

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 products, cleaning supplies and paper goods. 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.
• If you feel dizzy, confused or very sick in the heat, call 911.

How do I stay warm and dry in cold weather?

Pennsylvania winters can be dangerous. These are simple ideas, not medical advice.

• Dress in layers, and keep a hat, gloves and dry socks with you. Wet clothes pull heat away fast.
• The National Weather Service says frostbite is most likely on uncovered skin, hands and feet, and that hypothermia can set in quickly in severe cold. If someone is very cold, confused or can't get warm, call 911.
• In Philadelphia, the Office of Homeless Services declares a Code Blue when the forecast calls for precipitation and 32 degrees or lower, or a wind chill of 20 degrees or below. During a Code Blue, warming centers open, and anyone who needs a warm indoor place can go.
• Worried about someone outside in Philadelphia? Call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215.232.1984.
• Anywhere else in the state, dial 211 and ask about warming centers and winter shelter near you.

Sources: https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold and https://www.phila.gov/2025-01-07-what-happens-during-a-code-blue-and-how-to-get-help/

Where can I get diapers and period products?

Diapers can't be bought with WIC, SNAP or EBT benefits, so diaper banks help fill the gap. Most diaper banks don't hand out diapers directly.

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

• Pittsburgh area. The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank supplies more than 70 community partners each month from its Pittsburgh warehouse. Call 412.373.3074 to ask which partner is near you.
• Philadelphia area. Cradles to Crayons gives no cost everyday essentials for kids through a network of Service Partners. Enter your ZIP code on its family assistance map to find one. If you already work with a social worker or case manager at a partner, ask them to place an order for you.
• Period products at school. As of October 17, 2026, the PA Department of Health says there is state funding for public school districts, career and technical schools, charter schools and intermediate units funding to offer period products at no cost to students. Ask the school nurse or counselor.
• Anywhere in the state, dial 211 and ask for "diapers" or "period products."

Sources: https://www.wpadiaperbank.org/diaper-distribution and https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/family-assistance/ and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/school-health/updates

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Ask at WIC and the pantry too

WIC can't buy diapers, but WIC offices 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.
• American Job Centers help with job searches and resumes at no cost. Find one near you at https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx

Are there ways to save on clothes and basics in Pennsylvania?

Yes, a couple of real ones.

• Cash assistance can help with clothes and laundry. If you get cash assistance, it goes on your ACCESS card, and you can take cash out at ATMs or get cash back at stores. SNAP food benefits can't be used for clothes or soap. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/ebt
• No sales tax on most clothes. Pennsylvania doesn't charge sales tax on most everyday clothing and shoes. Accessories, formal wear, sports gear and some other items are still taxed. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/061/chapter53/s53.1.html
• 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.

Questions people ask a lot

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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.

Pennsylvania

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Philadelphia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bucks County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lancaster County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

York County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Berks County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lehigh County (Allentown)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Neighborhood and other 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 17, 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 17, 2026