Taking Care of Your Body Each Day

What it is

Daily care — washing, teeth, hair, clean clothes, and dressing for the weather.

Why it helps you

It keeps you healthy and helps you feel steady around other people.

Good to have first

Nothing.

This opens up

Making Friends, Doing Well at Work.

Where to get help

Get free soap, toothpaste, and other basics

Simply the Basics — Hygiene Locator A map that shows places near you that give out free hygiene supplies. That can mean soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone. Each place sets its own rules.
How to start: Go to the website. Type your city or zip code. Look at the places that come up.
Good to know: The map can be out of date. Call a place before you go, and ask if you need to bring ID.

211 A free, private phone line that knows local help in your area. That includes free hygiene supplies, period products, and warm clothes.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone.
How to start: Dial 2-1-1 on any phone. You can say, “I need free soap and toothpaste near my zip code.” Or search on the website.
Good to know: Hours depend on your area. If you don’t have ID, ask for places that don’t need it.

Get free period products and bras

Alliance for Period Supplies A national group of local programs that give out free pads and tampons.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone who needs period supplies.
How to start: Look for your state on the list. Or call 2-1-1 and ask for “period supplies.” Food pantries and faith groups may have them too.
Good to know: Not every state has a program on the list.

I Support The Girls Gives free bras and period products through local helpers.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: People who need bras or period products.
How to start: Look for a helper (“affiliate”) near you on the list. Contact them to ask where they give things out.
Good to know: They can’t send items straight to one person. You get them through a local helper or partner place. They are in many states, not all.

Get your teeth checked

Find a Health Center A government map of community health centers. Many have dentists as well as doctors. They charge less if you earn less.

Cost: Based on your income. They must see you even if you can’t pay.
Who can use it: Anyone, with or without insurance.
How to start: Type your city or zip code. Call the closest one and ask, “Do you have a dentist? I don’t have much money.”
Good to know: Not every health center has a dentist. When you call, ask what papers to bring.

Finding Low-Cost Dental Care A government page that lists other ways to get cheaper dental care, like dental school clinics.

Cost: Free to read
Who can use it: Anyone.
How to start: Read the list. Pick one option close to you and call.

Learn the basics

CDC — Hygiene Basics Short, plain pages on washing your hands, hair, face, feet, and nails, and on period care.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone.
How to start: Open the page and pick one topic, like handwashing.

National Weather Service The free government weather forecast. It helps you decide what to wear.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone.
How to start: Type your city or zip code in the box at the top. Look at the high and low temperature for today.
Good to know: In the US, temperature is in °F. Below 32°F is freezing. Wear layers, a hat, and gloves. Stay out of the cold if you can.

If you only do one thing first

Each day, try three small things: brush your teeth, wash your face and hands, and put on clean underwear. It takes about five minutes. If you don’t have the supplies yet, call 2-1-1 and ask where to get them for free. Your body deserves care, and you can start today.

Watch out for

“Free trial” razors and beauty products. Ads may offer a free sample if you pay shipping. Often you get signed up for costly monthly charges. Buy basic items at a drugstore or grocery store instead.
Medical credit cards at the dentist. A dental office may offer a card with “no interest” for a while. If you don’t pay it all off in time, you can owe interest on the whole bill. Ask about a payment plan or a health center first. The CFPB explains medical credit cards.
Paying more for pink. Razors, shampoo, and deodorant made “for women” often cost more than the same thing “for men.” Compare prices and buy the cheaper one. It works the same.