From Essentials to Impact: How Initial Hygiene Kits Support Mothers Entering Shelters

Listening to Residents and Improving Shelter Support

When GFoundation launched its Initial Hygiene Kit Program, the goal was simple: to help mothers and families entering shelters access essential personal care items from the very beginning of their transition.

For individuals arriving at a shelter, having basic necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, and hygiene products available immediately can help ease some of the challenges that come with a major life transition.

Now, feedback from residents at Siena House in the Bronx is helping GFoundation better understand the impact of these kits and how the program can continue to improve.

Providing Initial Support During a Time of Transition

Earlier this summer, GFoundation provided 23 Initial Hygiene Kits to Siena House for newly arrived mothers.

Each kit was prepared with essential hygiene and personal care items, along with a personalized encouragement card, to help residents feel welcomed and supported as they settled into the shelter.

Recently, Siena House shared photos of resident rooms where the kits had been distributed, along with feedback from individuals who received them.

One resident shared:

“I didn’t have a toothbrush or toothpaste so the bag came in real handy. The lotion was great. Thank you so much!”

Another resident shared how having multiple essentials together in one kit helped meet immediate needs:

“It was very helpful. It was a nice goodie bag with everything you need. It was much needed as you never know what you need. Thank you!”

Meeting Needs at the Right Moment

The feedback from Siena House highlights an important part of the Initial Hygiene Kit Program: providing a variety of essential items that residents may need during their first days in shelter care.

For many individuals entering shelters, daily necessities may not always be immediately available while they adjust to a new environment. A prepared kit can help provide a sense of comfort and readiness during this transition.

At the same time, listening to residents and shelter partners helps GFoundation understand which items are most useful and how each kit can better respond to real needs.

Growing Through Feedback and Partnership

Resident feedback is an important part of how GFoundation continues developing the Initial Hygiene Kit Program.

By learning from the experiences of those who receive support, GFoundation can continue refining the contents of each kit and identifying recurring needs across the shelters we serve.

We are grateful to Siena House and its residents for sharing their experiences and helping us strengthen this program.

Through the support of our donors, community partners, and volunteers, GFoundation hopes to continue providing practical care that helps mothers and families feel supported from the moment they enter shelter care.