What Is the Most Requested Item by Homeless People?
Jan, 30 2026
Hygiene Supply Calculator
Why Hygiene Matters
According to the article, 73% of unhoused people go without basic hygiene products for more than a week. These supplies aren't luxuries—they're essential for dignity, employment, and accessing services.
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Important Notes
- Don't donate used items: Shelters only accept new, unopened hygiene products to prevent health risks.
- Quality matters: Cheap products break or don't work effectively.
- Gender-specific needs: Men need razors; women need menstrual products.
When you think about what homeless people need most, you might picture food, a warm coat, or a place to sleep. Those are all critical. But if you walk into a shelter on any given morning and ask staff what item gets requested over and over again, the answer isn’t what most people guess. It’s not blankets. It’s not sandwiches. It’s not even clean socks-though those are close.
Hygiene Supplies Are the Top Request
The most requested item by homeless people is hygiene supplies. Specifically, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, and feminine hygiene products. Why? Because these aren’t luxuries. They’re survival tools. Without them, people can’t get a job, go to a clinic, or even walk into a public building without being turned away.
Shelter workers report that requests for toothpaste and deodorant happen daily. One volunteer at a shelter in Portland told me, "I’ve given out over 1,200 toothbrushes this year. People don’t ask for them because they’re nice to have. They ask because they’re the only way to feel human again."
It’s not just about cleanliness. It’s about dignity. A person who can’t brush their teeth or control body odor is invisible in society. Employers won’t hire them. Social workers hesitate to connect them to services. Even family members sometimes pull away. A tube of toothpaste isn’t just a dental tool-it’s a bridge back to the world.
Why Food and Clothing Aren’t the Top Request
Food is always in demand, and so are warm clothes. But shelters and outreach programs already distribute meals and donated jackets regularly. Most cities have food banks, soup kitchens, and clothing drives. These services are visible, funded, and often well-stocked. People know where to go for them.
Hygiene products? Not so much. They’re rarely covered by government aid. Food stamps can’t buy soap. Donations of clothes rarely include underwear or menstrual pads. And even when shelters have extra supplies, they’re often out by noon. A single box of tampons can last one day in a shelter with 80 women.
One study from the National Coalition for the Homeless in 2024 found that 73% of unhoused people went without basic hygiene products for more than a week at a time. That’s not a mistake. That’s the norm.
The Ripple Effect of Missing Hygiene
Missing hygiene doesn’t just hurt feelings. It has real consequences. Skin infections from not washing can turn into hospital visits. Gum disease from no toothpaste leads to tooth loss-and then no one will hire you. Women who can’t access pads or tampons risk serious infections. Men who can’t use deodorant are often denied access to shelters that have "no odor" policies.
One woman in Atlanta shared her story with a local nonprofit: "I had a job interview at a call center. I wore my best clothes. I even ironed them. But when I walked in, the receptionist wrinkled her nose and said, ‘You smell like you’ve been outside.’ I didn’t have deodorant. I didn’t have soap to wash my face. I didn’t get the job."
That’s not rare. It’s common. And it’s not because she wasn’t qualified. It’s because she didn’t have access to something most of us take for granted.
What Shelters Actually Provide
Most shelters can’t afford to stock hygiene supplies regularly. They rely on donations. But donations are unpredictable. A church might send 50 boxes of soap in December. In March? Nothing. That’s why many shelters keep a "hygiene closet"-a locked cabinet with a sign that says "Take Only What You Need." It’s heartbreaking. People stand in line for hours, then walk away with just one toothbrush because they’re afraid of taking too much.
Some shelters have started tracking requests. In San Francisco, a shelter began logging every item handed out. Over six months, they recorded 2,100 toothbrushes, 1,800 bars of soap, and 900 packs of tampons. Only 320 coats were given out. The pattern was clear: hygiene came first.
What You Can Do
If you want to help, don’t just donate old clothes or canned soup. Donate hygiene items. And not just the kind you’d buy for yourself. Think about what people actually need:
- Toothbrushes (soft bristle, travel size)
- Toothpaste (full-size tubes, not samples)
- Deodorant (stick or roll-on, unscented preferred)
- Bar soap (unscented, no dyes)
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, liners-no applicators)
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel sizes or bulk)
- Razors and shaving cream
- Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based, 60%+)
- Wet wipes (unscented, alcohol-free)
Don’t buy the cheapest version. People deserve quality. A cheap toothbrush breaks. Cheap deodorant doesn’t work. And if it smells like chemicals, it’s worse than nothing.
Many shelters also need these items in bulk. A single case of 48 toothbrushes lasts longer than 48 individual donations. Check with your local shelter first. Some have wish lists online. Others accept donations directly at their front desk.
Why This Matters Beyond the Shelter
Homelessness isn’t just about housing. It’s about access. And access starts with being seen as human. When someone can brush their teeth, they feel capable. When they can use deodorant, they feel safe walking down the street. When they can manage their period without shame, they feel in control.
Hygiene isn’t a side issue. It’s the foundation. Without it, every other effort-job training, mental health counseling, housing applications-hits a wall. People can’t focus on recovery if they’re ashamed of how they smell or look.
That’s why the most requested item isn’t a bed. It’s a toothbrush. Because sometimes, the first step back to stability isn’t a paycheck. It’s a clean mouth and the confidence to speak.
Why don’t government programs cover hygiene products for homeless people?
Most public assistance programs, like SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid, don’t include hygiene items because they’re classified as non-medical and non-food essentials. Even though toothpaste prevents infections and deodorant affects employability, these items fall outside the legal definition of "necessary" under current welfare rules. Some states have started pilot programs to allow SNAP funds for hygiene products, but they’re rare and underfunded.
Can I donate used hygiene products?
No. Shelters only accept new, unopened hygiene items. Used toothbrushes, razors, or opened soap bars can carry bacteria and pose health risks. Even if they seem clean, they’re not safe for someone with compromised immune systems or open wounds. Always donate new items in their original packaging.
Do men and women request the same hygiene items?
There’s overlap-soap, toothpaste, and deodorant are top requests for everyone. But women frequently ask for menstrual products, which are rarely available. Men often request razors and shaving cream, which are also in short supply. Many shelters don’t stock gender-specific items because they don’t know what’s needed. Donating a mix ensures everyone gets what they need.
What if I can’t afford to buy hygiene products?
You can still help. Many grocery stores and pharmacies have donation bins near the checkout for hygiene items. You can also organize a drive at work, school, or your church. Even collecting 10 toothbrushes and 5 bars of soap from neighbors makes a difference. Time matters too-volunteer to sort donations or deliver supplies. You don’t need money to make an impact.
Why don’t homeless people just buy these items themselves?
Many don’t have access to money, stores, or transportation. Even if they earn cash from panhandling or odd jobs, a $2 toothbrush is a luxury when they’re also paying for a bus ticket, a phone charger, or a laundry day. Most prioritize immediate needs like food or shelter over hygiene because the consequences of skipping hygiene aren’t immediate-unlike hunger or cold.