Dignity Starts With the Basics

Hope In A Bag, the signature program of Dignity Grows Hartford, provides free, full-size period and hygiene essentials to individuals and families through trusted local partners across Greater Hartford.

Program Founded

Social Service Agency Partners

Residents Supported Annually

What Is Hope In A Bag?

The Hope In A Bag program was founded in 2019 to address gaps in access to period and basic hygiene products in our community.

Through partnerships with schools, clinics, shelters, food pantries, first responders, and other service providers, the program ensures individuals and families have access to everyday essentials when and where they’re needed most.

Dignity Grows Hartford volunteer assembled Hope In A Bag hygiene tote with products for those in need of hygiene items.

Why Hygiene Access Matters

Access to basic hygiene products supports health, confidence, school attendance, job readiness, and overall wellbeing. When these essentials are out of reach, individuals and families are forced to make difficult tradeoffs. Hope In A Bag exists to remove one of those barriers.

Those in need have increased amongst the senior population. Although prideful they accept the totes in knowing the the assistance offsets their monthly income.

Re-Joyce CT

The hygiene totes are a valuable resource in boosting the comfort of those we are examining medically. We are able to offer them when someone expresses embarrassment or reservation in the state of their hygiene and it allows our patients to feel prepared to be examined.

Charter Oak Health Center

We have had students in need who cry when we give them hygiene totes. While most of these items should be a basic necessity, for a lot of people, its a privilege. Thank you.

Goodwin University Ann B Clark Co-Op

Working alongside community partners like:

“The totes have had a significant impact on displaced families by providing them with immediate necessities during a very difficult time. Families have expressed relief and gratitude for having essential items readily available, which helps reduce stress and uncertainty in the aftermath of a fire. Many clients have shared that receiving the totes made them feel supported and cared for, offering a sense of stability as they begin rebuilding their lives.”

The City of Hartford Fire Department