Essentials

Support starting on day one

Teens in housing transition or just entering care sometimes arrive with just the clothes on their backs. We collect basic hygiene products that are kept ready at local DHS offices.

Rather than buying in bulk, we work to keep a mindful variety in these boxes so teens can choose items that work for their own skin and hair types, their scent preferences, and their own unique needs.

Our pledge to honor & celebrate diversity

At Howard’s Heart, we pledge to ask teens what they need rather than assuming we know what’s best. Our essentials boxes are a terrific example of how a one-size-fits-all mentality contributes to the marginalization of BIPOC teens.

Not all products work for all skin and hair types, and it would be insensitive and unhelpful to give the same products to every teen in need. This is why we work to fill these boxes with the products that our teens want and request most.

Image by Freepik

What our teens need

Hygiene essentials

We always need these items in our boxes! New and unopened packages, please.

  1. Shampoo (all hair types)

  2. Conditioner (all hair types)

  3. Body wash

  4. Deodorant

  5. Toothbrushes

  6. Toothpaste

  7. Face Cleanser

  8. Lotion (all skin types)

  9. Tampons

  10. Lip Balm

Gift cards for clothing

Give a teen arriving in care the chance to pick out their own items. Suggestions:

  1. Ross

  2. Target

  3. Walmart

  4. Footlocker

  5. Fred Meyer

Pandemic response

Covid-19 has made new items essential for our teens! Please think about donating:

  1. Nitrile & latex gloves

  2. Face masks

  3. Hand soap

  4. Hand sanitizer

  5. Sterilizing surface cleaners