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 warm, dry coat can change how a whole day feels. You deserve to feel clean and comfortable, and there's help for that in Washington.

Here's the easy first step: dial 211 and ask for clothing banks, showers and laundry near you. Many food banks also share hygiene items, so ask when you visit.

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 money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where can I get clothes?

• Dial 211 and ask for clothing banks and clothing closets near you.
• Many churches, community centers and shelters run clothing closets. Call first to check hours and sizes.
• Some food banks have clothing tables. Ask when you visit.
• Schools often keep clothes, coats and shoes for students. Ask the school counselor.
• Job programs may help with work clothes and boots. See Guide 6.

Where can I shower and do laundry?

• Hygiene centers and day centers in Washington cities offer showers, restrooms and laundry. Ask 211 for current locations and hours.
• Some shelters let guests and community members shower during certain hours.
• Community centers and pools sometimes offer low cost showers. Ask at the front desk.
• Mobile shower programs visit some neighborhoods. Ask 211 or outreach workers.
• Some laundromats partner with groups that pay for wash days. Ask 211 about laundry programs.

BUNKLY TIP

Pack a shower kit

Keep a small kit with soap, a towel, flip flops and a change of underwear in a plastic bag. Then you're ready when a shower opens up!

How do I get diapers and baby supplies?

• Ask food banks and family resource centers about diapers and wipes.
• WIC offers healthy foods and support for families with young kids. Call Washington WIC at 800.841.1410. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic
• The Help Me Grow Washington hotline, 800.322.2588, can help you find baby supplies and family resources. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://helpmegrowwa.org/hotline
• Diaper banks operate in many Washington communities. Ask 211.
• Basic Food can't buy diapers, but cash help like TANF can. See Guide 1.

How do I get period products?

• Many food banks and shelters stock pads and tampons. Ask when you visit.
• Many Washington public schools offer menstrual products in bathrooms for students. Ask the school office. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.210.390
• Colleges in Washington also stock menstrual products in many restrooms. Ask at student services.
• Ask 211 about period product drives in your area.

Feeling clean and cared for isn't a luxury. It's part of feeling like yourself.

From the Bunklow team

What about students?

Every Washington school district has a McKinney-Vento liaison for students who don't have stable housing. That includes students in shelters, cars, motels, or staying with others because they lost their home.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/students-experiencing-homelessness

• The liaison can help with clothes, school supplies, hygiene items and transportation to school.
• Students can stay in their school of origin even if they move, when it's in their best interest.
• Students can enroll right away, even without the usual papers.
• Ask the school office or counselor for the liaison's name.

What about cold and wet weather gear?

Washington winters are wet, and wet clothes can be dangerous in the cold.

• Ask clothing banks and shelters for rain jackets, wool socks, hats, gloves and sleeping bags.
• During severe weather, many counties open warming centers and hand out warm gear. Dial 211.
• Outreach teams in many cities hand out socks, blankets and tarps. Ask 211 or a day center how to connect.
• Change into dry socks as soon as you can, and keep a spare pair in a plastic bag.

BUNKLY TIP

Layers are your friend

Several thin layers keep you warmer than one big coat, and you can take one off when you warm up!

What about haircuts, dental care and glasses?

• Beauty schools often offer low cost haircuts. Call ahead.
• Some day centers host volunteer barbers and stylists. Ask 211.
• Apple Health covers dental care for kids, and some dental care for adults. Call the number on your Apple Health card. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hca.wa.gov/apple-health
• Apple Health covers eye exams and glasses for kids, and some eye care for adults.
• Community health centers often have dental clinics on a sliding fee scale. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Staying warm and dry in Washington weather

Western Washington is wet much of the year, and Eastern Washington gets cold winters and hot, smoky summers.

• Wool or synthetic layers stay warmer than cotton when they get wet.
• Dry socks matter. Change into dry socks every day if you can, to protect your feet.
• A hat and gloves help a lot on cold nights.
• When it's very cold or hot, many counties open warming or cooling centers. Dial 211 to find one.
• During wildfire smoke, stay inside when you can, and ask outreach groups or libraries if they have masks.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask for what fits

It's okay to tell a clothing bank your size and what you need most. They want the clothes to fit you!

Tips for laundry and showers

• Some laundromats and churches hold laundry days where costs are covered. Ask 211.
• Day centers and some shelters have showers. Bring your own towel if you can.
• Some community centers and pools offer showers for a small fee or with a pass.
• Keep a small bag with soap, a towel and a change of clothes so you're ready.

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

BUNKLY TIP

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My clothing and hygiene plan

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

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

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. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. 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 21, 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.

Affordable living. Simplified

Download the PDF

Last updated October 21, 2026