‘When it comes to hygiene, it’s a matter of dignity’: Lincoln non-profit helps those struggling

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Hygiene Network’s mission is to help community members with basic needs that SNAP benefits don’t cover.

The nonprofit says it’s a job that takes the help of more than 22 different agencies to make it easier; partnerships include Lincoln Public Schools, Centerpointe and The Hub.

“Right now, we’re seeing about 1,300 individuals every single month, through those partnerships, that are getting items through us,” said Dustin Oltman, the executive director of Lincoln Hygiene Network.

Oltman says there’s help all around for good reason.

“We are strategically located throughout the community, and people are going to the very places they know and trust, because when it comes to hygiene, it’s a matter of dignity.”

They have items such as soap and deodorant, as well as more personal items, like feminine hygiene products, which account for 62% of the organization’s requests.

Oltman says orders have increased significantly in the last few weeks alone, with requests for more than 6,000 items.

“The fact that SNAP benefits have now stopped altogether, they’re not only having to choose between food and hygiene, but they’re really having to choose between food and those items.”

Lincoln Hygiene Network works by receiving orders from its partners and fulfilling them using its inventory of donated goods.

By providing this service to non-profits, Oltman says it prevents them from using their budgets on hygiene items and instead allows them to focus on their own mission.

“They can do what they do best, and we can take care of that gap for them,” said Oltman.

Volunteers mostly power the Lincoln Hygiene Network, but its staff consists of just Oltman and one other person.

He says any help, including monetary contributions, is appreciated, as it helps them buy items in bulk at a lower cost.

Oltman says, “You’ll be amazed how far $10 can go.” They are also accepting space to help them store their inventory.

To contribute time, goods, or make a financial donation, you can visit their website.