Good personal hygiene is the best way for an individual to protect themselves from getting gastro or infectious diseases such as colds, flu, COVID-19, etc. It includes, but is not limited to:
Cleaning your body everyday
Washing your hands with soap after using the restroom
Brushing your teeth twice a day followed by flossing
Using deodorant to control body odor
Using feminine products (tampons, pads) during menstruation periods.
Hygiene is instrumental to maintaining health and preventing disease. Individuals who are experiencing homelessness and low-income individuals and families (including children) often face not only the health consequences but also the embarrassment, which lies around lack of hygiene otherwise known as “Hygiene Poverty”.
Good personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of the external body clean and healthy. Personal care products include shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, dental floss, menstrual products (tampons, pads, etc.), deodorant, razors, shaving cream, etc.
But what if you can’t afford these items?
This is where Poverty Impact Network comes in. As Lincoln’s first dedicated hygiene bank, Poverty Impact Network is increasing the health and dignity of struggling children and adults through distribution of essential hygiene and personal care products including menstrual products at no cost to direct service organizations and programs in Lincoln-Lancaster County, Nebraska.
"The support of hygiene kits from Poverty Impact Network has been such a blessing to the young adults we serve, thank you!" – The Hub Central Access Point