Personal & Household Items: The Basics That Make a Home
Clothing, furniture, diapers, hygiene supplies — these everyday essentials matter deeply. Free and low-cost resources are available across the Twin Cities for people who need them.
Why Household Essentials Are a Basic Human Need
Moving into housing — or simply staying stable — requires more than just a roof. Clothing, bedding, furniture, hygiene products, and baby supplies are part of what makes a house a home.
“When someone gets their first apartment after years of homelessness, they need more than keys. They need a bed, a pot to cook in, and something to wear to their first job interview.”
— Agate Housing & Services, MinneapolisConnect to household item programs and essential goods distribution across the Twin Cities.
Sharing & Caring Hands →Waypoint DirectoryWhat Types of Items Are Available
From clothing to furniture to diapers, a wide range of household essentials are available at no or low cost through local organizations.
Clothing & Shoes
Free and donated clothing for adults and children. Many programs offer seasonal items, work clothes, and interview attire to help people prepare for employment.
Furniture & Bedding
Beds, mattresses, couches, tables, and chairs. Moving into a first apartment after homelessness often means starting from zero — furniture programs fill this gap.
Baby & Diaper Supplies
Diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothes, and gear. The MN Cloth Diaper Bank and other programs serve families with young children at no cost.
Hygiene & Personal Care
Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, feminine products, razors, and deodorant. Many shelters and community organizations distribute hygiene kits on a walk-in basis.
Kitchen & Household Goods
Pots, pans, utensils, dishes, small appliances, and cleaning supplies. Essential for people transitioning from shelter to permanent housing.
School Supplies & Backpacks
Notebooks, pens, backpacks, and school supplies for children. Available through back-to-school drives and year-round programs.
Find household item programs near you through these local organizations.
Sharing & Caring Hands →Agate Housing & ServicesHow to Access Household Items & Clothing
Most programs are walk-in or require a simple phone call. Here is how to connect with the right resources for your needs.
- 1
Call 211 first
Dial 211 to get connected to the nearest household item program based on your location and specific needs. Available 24/7, free and confidential.
- 2
Visit Sharing & Caring Hands
Located at 525 N 7th St, Minneapolis. Open weekday mornings for walk-in assistance including clothing, hygiene, and household items. Call 612-338-4640 for hours.
- 3
Contact Agate Housing
Agate (agatemn.org) provides household item support for people transitioning out of homelessness. Call 612-746-3500 for intake and availability.
- 4
Check Salvation Army & thrift stores
The Salvation Army Family Store and other thrift shops offer deeply discounted furniture, clothing, and household goods. Some programs offer vouchers for free items.
- 5
Search the Waypoint Directory
gis.hennepin.us/waypoint lists all Hennepin County household item, clothing, and hygiene programs with addresses, hours, and eligibility info.
What to bring when visiting
- Photo ID (helpful but often not required)
- Proof of address or shelter letter if available
- Children’s ages and sizes (for family items)
- Any referral paperwork from a case manager
🏭 Walk-In Welcome
Sharing & Caring Hands welcomes walk-ins Monday–Friday mornings for clothing, hygiene kits, and household essentials. No appointment needed.
Find item distribution programs across Hennepin County through the Waypoint directory.
Search Waypoint Directory →Sharing & Caring HandsBaby & Family Supplies
Families with young children face unique supply needs. Diapers, formula, baby clothing, and gear are available through several Twin Cities programs.
- MN Cloth Diaper Bank (mnclothdiaperbank.org): Provides free reusable cloth diapers and covers to low-income families across Minnesota. Apply online — diapers are mailed or distributed at events.
- WIC Program: Hennepin County WIC (612-543-0700) provides vouchers for baby formula, food, and nutrition support for mothers and children up to age 5.
- Sharing & Caring Hands: Distributes baby clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and basic supplies to families in need. Walk-in or call 612-338-4640.
- Agate Housing: Provides baby gear, cribs, and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness. Call 612-746-3500 for intake.
- Salvation Army: Offers baby items including clothing, gear, and hygiene supplies. Thrift stores also sell baby items at very low cost.
- Buy Nothing Groups: Neighborhood Facebook groups where members give away free items including baby clothes, gear, and furniture at no cost.
Access baby and family supplies through these trusted local programs.
MN Cloth Diaper Bank →Sharing & Caring HandsLocal Household Item Resources — Quick Reference
Trusted organizations providing clothing, furniture, hygiene supplies, and household essentials across Minneapolis and Hennepin County.
| Organization | What They Provide | Who They Serve | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharing & Caring Hands | Clothing, hygiene, household items | All in need, walk-in | 612-338-4640 |
| Agate Housing & Services | Furniture & household setup | People exiting homelessness | 612-746-3500 |
| MN Cloth Diaper Bank | Free reusable cloth diapers | Low-income families | mnclothdiaperbank.org |
| Salvation Army | Clothing, furniture, baby items | All individuals in need | 612-332-5889 |
| Waypoint Directory | Full directory of all programs | All Hennepin County residents | gis.hennepin.us/waypoint |
Search all household item and clothing programs in Hennepin County.
Search Waypoint Directory →Sharing & Caring Hands