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.
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.
How to find no cost clothes, step by step
- Dial 211 and say your city or ZIP and what you need, like "work clothes" or "kids' shoes."
- Ask which clothing closets are open this week, the hours, and if you need a referral.
- Call the place first to check sizes and what they have right now.
- Bring a bag, and any referral letter they asked for.
- If you need clothes for a job, say so. Some places keep interview outfits.
- If they're out, ask when new donations usually come in.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm looking for no cost clothes for [me, or my kids]. I'm near [your city or ZIP]."
"I need [work clothes, shoes, a coat, school clothes] in size [size]."
"Do I need a referral or an ID?"
"When is the best day to come?"
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. Here is a California example.
Times can change, so call first.
- Contra Costa County. The county says drop in CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer meals, showers, laundry, mail and case management. Dial 211 or text HOPE to 20121.
In other counties, ask 211 for "showers" or "day center." In Riverside, the county lists Path of Life Ministries as a shelter open 24 hours. Call 951.683.4101 and ask what they offer.
A simple shower bag
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
Say you need diapers before payday in Sacramento
Say you're down to the last few diapers. You could dial 211 and ask for diaper help in Sacramento County, and also ask your local food pantry when you pick up food.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services at 916.456.1980 can point you to food help near you, and you can ask them about diapers too.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
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.
Can my kids get pads at school, and are diapers taxed?
A couple of California rules can help your budget a little.
- Pads and tampons at school. Many California public schools keep pads and tampons in restrooms for students. Ask your school how it works.
- Restrooms may list a contact person for keeping them stocked. If the supply runs out, your child can ask the front office.
- Sales tax on diapers and period products. The state tax agency (CDTFA) explains which kids' diapers and period products are not taxed. Questions about which items count? Check the official page below.
- Adult diapers, wipes, soap and toilet paper can still be taxed, and SNAP can't buy them.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol1/sutl/6363-9.html and https://cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol1/sutl/6363-10.html
If the school restroom is out of pads
"Hi. The restroom by the gym is out of pads. Who keeps them stocked?"
"Could you refill it, please? Thank you!"
Take what you need
Pads at school are there for any student who needs them. Don't be shy about asking.
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.
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
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get no cost clothes?
Some places ask for one and many don't. Call ahead and ask.
Can I use SNAP for soap or toilet paper?
No. The USDA says SNAP can't buy hygiene items, cleaning supplies or paper products.
Where can I shower if I'm staying in my car?
Ask 211 for day centers with showers. In Contra Costa County, CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer showers and laundry.
How often do clothing closets get new things?
It depends on donations. Ask the closet which day is best to come.
Can I get a coat or shoes for my kids?
Many closets serve families. Say your kids' sizes when you call.
Is there no cost laundry anywhere?
Some day centers and churches offer it. Ask 211 what's near you.
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!
Here are places that can point you to clothes, showers and hygiene help near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
California
Here are some places to start.
211 California
What it offers A at no cost, private service that connects people with housing, food, health care and other help across California. Search by your location on the website.
How to reach Dial 211. Search at https://www.211ca.org/
Source https://www.211ca.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
What it offers Help finding shelter, housing and homeless services in Los Angeles County.
How to reach Information line: 213.233.4798, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Get help at https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Source https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
Regional Task Force on Homelessness: Get Help
What it offers San Diego County's guide to Coordinated Entry access sites, where people experiencing homelessness can get connected to housing help.
How to reach Find access sites at https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Source https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Orange County Care Coordination: Get Help
What it offers The county points people to 211 Orange County (211OC) for shelter and local services. For a person experiencing homelessness who is in a mental health crisis, the county lists its Crisis Assessment Team.
How to reach Dial 211. Crisis Assessment Team: 855.625.4657.
Source https://ceo.oc.gov/office-care-coordination/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Path of Life Ministries
What it offers Shelter in Riverside, listed by the county as open 24 hours. 2840 Hulen Place, Riverside.
How to reach Call 951.683.4101.
Source https://rivcohws.org/get-help-connect-homeless-services
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Bernardino County
Here are some places to start.
San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services
What it offers The county says to call 211 for basic needs and homeless help. The 211 Coordinated Entry System is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
Santa Clara County Here4You Hotline
What it offers Matches people to emergency shelter and transportation, directs people who need rent help to prevention services, and makes referrals. Serves singles, couples and families. Open every day, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Call 408.385.2400.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Health: Housing and Homelessness
What it offers The county says to call 211 if you are looking for housing or services. Housing Resource Centers offer housing problem solving and Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://homelessness.acgov.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento Steps Forward: Get Help
What it offers If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Sacramento County, call 211 and press 8 for shelter, housing and other homeless services. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Dial 211 and press 8. If 211 won't connect, call 916.498.1000 and press 8.
Source https://www.sacramentostepsforward.org/access-support/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Contra Costa Health: Homeless Services
What it offers Call 211 or text HOPE to 20121 for resources, any time. Drop in CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer meals, showers, laundry, mail and case management. For outreach teams, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211 or text HOPE to 20121.
Source https://www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/homeless-services/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fresno County
Here are some places to start.
Multi Agency Access Program (MAP), Fresno
What it offers A single place to start for Fresno County residents. MAP helps people find services for housing, food, health care, benefits and more. The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care also says to start with 211.
How to reach Call 559.512.6777 or dial 211.
Source https://fresnomaderahomeless.org/general-assistance-advocacy
Last checked October 16, 2026
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!
What I need and where I'll get it
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
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. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again 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.
Affordable living. Simplified
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