Alliance for Incarcerated Women Partners with Simply the Basics to Address Hygiene Insecurity for Incarcerated Women

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Alliance for Incarcerated Women (AIW), a national organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated women and their families, is proud to announce a partnership with the Simply the Basics’ Hygiene Bank Association™, a leading organization addressing hygiene insecurity. Together, they are tackling the critical and often overlooked issue of access to basic hygiene products in prisons.

In their first joint initiative, Simply the Basics is providing over 2,500 hygiene products, including bars of soap, deodorant sticks, and shampoo for women incarcerated at Crain Prison in Texas. These hygiene products will be distributed as part of AIW’s new program to meet basic needs while laying the foundation for broader engagement with incarcerated women.

“For many incarcerated women, something as simple as soap or deodorant can feel like a luxury,” said Julia Keleher, who helped launch and now leads AIW. “But these items are more than necessities—they’re symbols of dignity, health, and hope. Access to hygiene products is a critical first step in empowering women to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families.”

Hygiene insecurity—the inability to afford everyday hygiene products—affects nearly 25% of families in the U.S. and has profound implications for physical and mental health. By addressing this need, AIW and Simply the Basics are also reducing the burden on partner organizations, allowing them to focus on their core missions while ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of the people they serve.

“Simply the Basics was founded on the idea that everyone deserves equitable access to hygiene,” said Meghan Freebeck, CEO and founder of Simply the Basics. “By providing quality hygiene supplies to people that would otherwise not have access, we not only help to improve a person’s feelings of dignity and their overall wellness, but we also improve physical health. We are thrilled to have AIW become a Member of Simply the Basics’ Hygiene Bank Association, anetwork of providers. When we work together, we can better reach the underserved populations through our collective support.”

This partnership underscores AIW’s mission to create transformative opportunities for incarcerated women and their families. The hygiene products will be a launchpad for a broader program within the DC Department of Corrections, combining dignity-focused care with family reunification, personal growth, and reintegration support.

Both leaders agreed, “Providing soap or deodorant is a small act, but its impact is profound.” It’s about showing incarcerated women that they are seen, valued, and supported. Together, we are making a difference—one product and one person at a time.”, they said.