We’ve all been there:

Exhausted on a hot summer day from the beaming sun and rising humidity, with no cool breeze to ease its effects…

Holding our tired children whose own heat and sticky skin make things even ickier –  wishing that we, like them, could spend the day cooling off in the splash pad…

Frustrated at the car’s air conditioning for failing to work as hard as we need it to and doing our best to hold the steering wheel gently to avoid burning our hands…

But not all of us have the privilege of retreating home to find solace in the nice A/C, a tall glass of water with ice from the freezer, and a quick change of clothes that aren’t so sweaty. Instead, people experiencing homelessness often lack this sort of relief, instead waiting for nightfall to ease the heat and looking forward to the next morning when they can visit a nearby food bank, shower house, or rec center for a few minutes of refreshment before ending up back outdoors for the day.

When we pass our unhoused neighbors on the street, especially in extreme weather conditions, many of us might feel a sense of worry for their wellbeing, compassion for their circumstances, or concern that there isn’t much we can do to help. Thankfully, there are some low-cost hygiene-related products we can all keep on hand that are guaranteed to promote wellness and provide some relief.

In this blog, we’ll explore 5 kinds of items that people experiencing homelessness might need in the summer, so the next time you see someone affected by the heat you can lend a helping hand.

1. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

Protection from the sun and its harmful UV rays is an important measure for everyone to take in the summer – even moreso for folks experiencing homelessness. Many of us apply sunscreen when preparing for a day spent outdoors; imagine how much more impactful this product could be for someone who does so every single summer day. And if you notice someone is already red and toasty from prolonged exposure to UV rays, aloe vera could provide some much needed relief and healing for their sunburn.

2. Chapstick and Lotion

There are few things more uncomfortable in the summer than dry lips and dry skin. Without access to products to prevent or treat these issues, the dryness can lead to painful, cracking skin that is vulnerable to bleeding, infections, and other wound-related issues. These items are in high-demand for people experiencing homelessness and are thankfully some of the easiest hygiene products to keep on hand to give away, easily fitting in your purse or car console.

3. Sandals or Flip Flops

For many people experiencing homelessness, open-toed shoes are a more comfortable choice for the summer, as they promote airflow which helps the body to regulate temperature and more effectively cool down. While sandals and flip-flops might not be the first choice for everyone who is unhoused, they are certainly great to have on hand regardless, in case of blisters or other foot wounds from walking or to double as shower shoes when they visit a hygiene facility like Mary Magdalen House.

4. Deodorant, Powder, and Vaseline

Deodorant, baby powder or foot powder, and vaseline are versatile hygiene products that help prevent body odor, absorb or seal moisture, and reduce chafing. Not only do they provide physical health benefits, but mental and social benefits as well by preventing discomfort and unpleasant body odors. These products promote dignity and hygiene year-round, and their effects are further emphasized during the summer months.

Pro tip: Vaseline is a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ item, known by many as a preventative product for chafing, skin and lip moisturizer, wound-care tool, and its versatility for hair and nail care. You can find mini ones in the travel section of most grocery stores!

5. Hand Towels and Washcloths

At Mary Magdalen House, we often find ourselves with a shortage of towels in the summer months, as many guests take them to use to stay cool. Small fabric items, ideally hand towels and washcloths, can double as sweat rags or to quickly wipe down and freshen up. Sometimes people will employ even more savvy and fashion their towel as a bandana or wrap to protect their head and neck from the sun.

Maybe you have felt concerned when encountering an unhoused neighbor facing prolonged exposure to the hot summer weather. Rest assured, there are many items you can keep on hand to provide some protection, care, and relief from the sun.

Check out our Amazon Wishlist if you’d like to help us distribute items like these to guests when they come to get a shower and wash their clothes. Or, the next time you stop at the store to get groceries, consider buying a few chapsticks, a pair of sandals, or a mini vaseline to keep on hand. When you encounter someone you’d like to give the products to, be sure to ask their name, introduce yourself, and send them some well wishes. Being seen and getting some relief can go a long way for someone experiencing homelessness.

Follow along with Mary Magdalen House to learn more about how you can help make showers, hygiene, and dignity accessible for all.