Dignity Matters

Dignity Matters is the largest organization in Massachusetts focused on providing free menstrual care and undergarments to women who are homeless or living in poverty, and we are the only reliable source of these items for most of the 10,000+ women we serve. We help women safely manage their periods, regain confidence, and participate fully in their own lives.

Marginalized communities are those most likely to experience “Period Poverty,” or lack of consistent access to menstrual care. Food insecurity has increased 59% statewide since 2018 – and if you are food insecure, you are hygiene insecure. This is compounded by the fact that SNAP and WIC benefits – the most significant source of government support for women and families in need – can’t be used to purchase menstrual care. Most food pantries and shelters can’t afford these products, and they are rarely donated. Lack of access to menstrual care is a “deal breaker:" regardless of the other resources available to them, women and girls cannot stay healthy, work or attend school without reliable access to menstrual care. 

Dignity Matters works hard to make sure women and girls can access menstrual care every month, and to support more women with the resources we have. We distribute to women and girls through a network of non-profits that already know them and have their trust, and we make a 12-month commitment to each partner so the women know they can count on us for these products when they need them. We use a manufacturing contract to purchase a month of menstrual care for 20% of average retail cost, allowing us to serve 5 times as many women. We also use a wholesale contract to purchase underwear for just 50% of retail price. We stretch your donations to serve as many women and girls as possible! 

We support women and girls through four programs:

Dignity at Schools provides menstrual products, underwear, and bras to public middle and high schools (and after-school programs) in Greater Boston, MetroWest, Lowell, and Lawrence, and several state and community colleges.

Dignity at Shelters provides monthly menstrual care, bras and underwear to women at homeless and domestic violence shelters, low-income housing community centers and emergency family centers.

Dignity in the Community delivers monthly menstrual care and incontinence underwear to women and girls through 26 large food pantries and medical centers throughout Greater Boston. 

Dignity Beneath the Blouse offers personalized bra fittings and free bras to sheltered women.