THE NEED FOR HYGIENE:

In February 2021, we completed a needs assessment to help illuminate the extent of the gap we are trying to fill. The results are heartbreaking:

• Nearly two million people in Washington State do not have regular access to affordable hygiene products.
• 1 in 7 households in Washington State are significantly behind in rent and struggling for food and basic everyday essentials.
• Less than 5% of hygiene items are available through food banks.
• There is no statewide or nationwide organization to provide this support consistently.
• There are no government programs that provide affordable personal and household hygiene products to those who are food insecure.
• The lack of access to basic hygiene items is a public health issue and can lead to the spread of disease, behavioral and mental health, academic and workplace performance, to name a few.

Essentials First has stepped up to fill this gap. We are growing our mission, beginning in WA State, to ensure the dignity and respect that comes with the ability to have clean kitchens, clothing, and bodies is afforded to all. 

SUPPORTING INCOMING REFUGEES:

Compounding the gravity of this situation is the influx of 800+ Afghan refugee families in our area. In fact, another 1600 families will be arriving soon, most of whom will need personal and hygiene support to help them get started. Essentials First has already provided welcome kits filled with these vital items, and your help and support will allow us to continue welcoming them to our loving and caring region.

SUPPORTING FLOOD VICTIMS:

Additionally, our team packed essential hygiene kits for over 500 families recovering from the devastating floods in Skagit County. Hundreds of households had to evacuate the fast-moving floods over the past 2 weeks; and while the community was able to provide some shelter and food support, hygiene products were difficult to find.  As families begin to recover, they are in need of significant levels of help, including hygiene kits. We were happy to pack and distribute these vital items that will bring immediate relief to many of our neighbors to the north.

HERE'S HOW WE WORK:

Our kits start with bags that are filled with essential items by teams of volunteers and local organizations. Assembled and ready to go, the kits  are gifted to people experiencing homelessness and those near homeless, refugees, and those experiencing financial insecurity.

Our Hygiene Kits include essential personal and household items: Shampoo, Soap, Conditioner, Sanitary Items for Women, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Razor, Laundry Detergent, Wipes, Deodorant, and Dishwashing Liquid

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT:

Since our founding in 2017, we have distributed over 340,000  hygiene items to a growing number of people unable to afford these products in the Puget Sound area. This could not have been possible without grassroots donations from the community. Your generous donation can help provide essential items to our vulnerable neighbors that so dearly need access to vital personal and household hygiene products.

Essentials First’s goal is to expand our community and food bank partners to consistently reach 42,000 households in Washington State by the end of 2024. It is an ambitious goal, and we need your help to achieve it. So, join us in providing this critical need to vulnerable neighbors. And, as you make your gifts this holiday season, please consider making a gift of $25 to give a family of four hygiene essentials for one month.

Together we can create a community where dignity is afforded to all. Learn more about our mission, programs, and impact at essentialsfirst.org.