Homeless Essentials Inc.
Denise Shead M.Ed.
Restoring Dignity Through Hygiene and Essential Support
Helping the Homeless Stay Healthy and Dignified
Explore our Causes, Get Involved, and Support sections below to learn how to make a difference today
01. Causes
Homelessness is often driven by factors such as poverty, unemployment, physical/mental health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, or housing shortages. Hygiene kits are important because it helps prevent infections and illnesses. It also makes it easier for individuals to find employment and access to shelters, clinics, and job programs.
02. Get Involved
You can make a real difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Whether you choose to volunteer your time assembling toiletry kits, donate essential supplies, or make a monetary donation, your help is needed.
Help us reach our 2026 goal of distributing 2,400 toiletry kits-more than doubling last year’s total of 1,000-to meet the growing need in our community. Additionally, we seek to purchase a mobile shower unit to expand access to safe and dignified shower services for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
03. Support
Mobile Shower Services-Coming Soon
We are working diligently to bring mobile shower services to our community. While this program is not yet active, we will provide updates as we move closer to the launch date.
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
The organization’s mission is to provide homeless individuals access to mobile showers (Coming Soon) and essential resources like toiletry kits because every person deserves dignity, respect, and access to basic hygiene needs.
Our Values
We emphasize dignity and respect for every individual with compassionate non-judgmental service.
Our work goes beyond sympathy. We meet individual needs through outreach and support.
Meet Our Founder
Denise Shead
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Denise Shead founded Homeless Essentials Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, in 2020 after witnessing firsthand the profound challenges faced by unhoused neighbors in her community. With her master’s degree in education and bachelor degrees in sociology and biology, along with 20 years of ministerial experience, Denise recognized the critical need for mobile shower services and accessible hygiene resources.
Moreover, guided by her servant-leader philosophy, Denise’s compassion and empathy empower her to uplift the most vulnerable — those so often ignored, unseen, and overlooked by society.
This organization was born from witnessing the daily struggles of individuals who lacked access to basic hygiene needs. What began as a simple observation gradually evolved into a powerful call to action-ultimately inspiring a mission to restore dignity and hope through mobile shower services and essential hygiene support.
Today her mission continues to grow as she works toward long-term solutions including mobile hygiene services. Through collaboration and service, she remains dedicated to ensuring every individual has access to basic hygiene opportunities.
The Impact We Have Made in our Community
Real Help. Real Impact.
Our nonprofit organization has made a significant impact in the community by providing hygiene kits and compassionate support to individuals in need. Through these efforts, we have helped create meaningful, lasting change—restoring dignity and improving quality of life for many.
Looking ahead, we remain deeply committed to serving our neighbors and making a measurable difference in the overall health and well-being of our community.
Hope in Action
1,152
individual baby wipe sheets donated to the Safe Hope Center
596
diapers and pull ups donated to the Safe Hope Center
1,000+
toiletry kits distributed to organizations and the homeless
40+
youth and adult volunteers from churches and local Beta Club
Your support makes our mission possible. Homeless Essentials Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
$25
provides hygiene kits for 5 guests
$50
supports showers
Any amount helps our cause.
Click Donate Now to choose a donation amount that works best for you.
Our Community Partners
City of Jackson Treatment Courts
Area Relief Ministries
Positive Force Mentoring Program
