Essentials First

Essentials First is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 2017, the organization originally operated under the name Kits for Peace. Essentials First is a small organization with four employees. Essentials First focuses on providing hygiene and warmth kits to individuals and families in need. They serve a variety of populations, including those experiencing homelessness living both in shelters and outside, as well as low-income households at risk of homelessness. The organization partners with numerous community providers to distribute these essential kits. To date, Essentials First has distributed nearly 30,000 kits, comprising approximately 300,000 hygiene and support items, throughout the Puget Sound area. In response to the heightened need for hygiene support revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Essentials First expanded its mission to address this critical gap in access to essential hygiene products. The organization is currently undertaking a pilot program to determine the most effective strategies for scaling up hygiene distribution to underserved populations in Washington State. This initiative aims to leverage existing food banks and nonprofit networks to reach those in need. Essentials First welcomes inquiries and can be reached through their website at essentialsfirst.org.