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. Times can change, so call first.
- Dial 211 and ask for "showers" or "day center" near your city or ZIP.
- In San Antonio, Haven for Hope is one campus with shelter and many services for people experiencing homelessness, at 1 Haven for Hope Way. Call 210.220.2100 and ask what's open to you.
- In Dallas, the Housing Forward Crisis Helpline at 888.411.6802 connects people to shelter, outreach teams and community resources.
- In El Paso, city navigators at 915.400.7401 help with basic needs referrals.
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 Houston
Say you're down to the last few diapers. You could dial 211 and ask for diaper help in Harris County, and also ask your local food pantry when you pick up food.
The Houston Food Bank at 713.223.3700 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.
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
Are there ways to save on clothes and basics in Texas?
Yes, a couple of real ones.
- TANF cash help can pay for clothes and laundry. If you get TANF, Texas Health and Human Services says you can use it for food and other items like clothes, laundry, transportation and supplies for the home. SNAP food benefits can't be used for those. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-card-faq
- The August sales tax holiday. Each year, Texas has a back to school sales tax holiday. In 2026 it ran Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, and most clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies under $100 were exempt from sales tax, in stores and online. Watch for next year's dates from the Texas Comptroller. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/faq/tax-holidays.php
- 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.
Before a big shopping trip
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 near you. Shelters and day centers often know who has open shower times.
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.
Texas
Here are some places to start.
211 Texas
What it offers A no cost service from Texas Health and Human Services that connects people with food, housing, mental health, benefits and other help. You can also chat online in English or Spanish.
How to reach Dial 211 or 877.541.7905. Search at https://www.211texas.org/
Source https://www.211texas.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Harris County (Houston)
Here are some places to start.
Coalition for the Homeless: The Way Home
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, with a no wrong door approach. The Coalition does not offer onsite services. If you need help now, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Find help at https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Source https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Dallas County
Here are some places to start.
Housing Forward Crisis Helpline (Dallas)
What it offers Connects people to shelter, outreach teams, housing support and community resources. For non emergency city help, call 311.
How to reach Call 888.411.6802.
Source https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-and-homelessness/Pages/get-support.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
Here are some places to start.
Partnership Home: Coordinated Entry (Tarrant County)
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
How to reach Learn how to get help at https://partnershiphome.org/systemresponse/coordinated-entry/ or dial 211.
Source https://partnershiphome.org/systemresponse/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Here are some places to start.
Haven for Hope
What it offers A campus in San Antonio with shelter and many services for people experiencing homelessness. 1 Haven for Hope Way.
How to reach Main office: 210.220.2100.
Source https://www.havenforhope.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Close to Home (San Antonio)
What it offers San Antonio's guide to homeless services and resources, including help for youth and families.
How to reach Find resources at https://closetohomesa.org/find-resources/
Source https://closetohomesa.org/find-resources/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Travis County (Austin)
Here are some places to start.
ECHO: Get Help (Austin and Travis County)
What it offers A good first step toward stable housing is a Coordinated Assessment, the community's central housing application. ECHO does not run housing itself but connects you to it.
How to reach Learn how to get assessed at https://www.austinecho.org/get-help/
Source https://www.austinecho.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Collin County
Here are some places to start.
The Samaritan Inn
What it offers Shelter, case management and life skills programs for single adults and families experiencing homelessness in Collin County. Interviews are first come, first served, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, at 1514 N. McDonald Street, McKinney.
How to reach Call 972.542.5302.
Source https://saminn.org/become-a-resident/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Denton County
Here are some places to start.
United Way of Denton County: Find Help
What it offers Resource navigation for people facing homelessness or a housing crisis in Denton County. 1314 Teasley Lane, Denton. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
How to reach Call 940.566.5851. Mental Health Navigators: call or text LINK to 940.349.3000.
Source https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/find-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hidalgo County
Here are some places to start.
Hidalgo County Urban County Program: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Runs the Emergency Solutions Grant and the Coordinated Entry process in Hidalgo County.
How to reach Call 956.787.8127 or 866.613.5277.
Source https://www.hidalgocounty.us/2306/Emergency-Solutions-Grant-ESG
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
El Paso County
Here are some places to start.
City of El Paso Community and Homeless Assistance
What it offers Navigators help with resources, case management, basic needs referrals and housing stabilization. Street outreach social workers are available 24/7.
How to reach Navigator line: 915.400.7401. Office: 915.212.0138.
Source https://www.elpasotexas.gov/community-and-human-development/community-and-homeless-assistance/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fort Bend County
Here are some places to start.
Coalition for the Homeless: The Way Home
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, with a no wrong door approach. The Coalition does not offer onsite services. If you need help now, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Find help at https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Source https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My plan for this week
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What I need and where I'll get it
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
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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 16, 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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