It's easy to take clean socks for granted—but for thousands of Australians experiencing homelessness, they’re a rare luxury that makes an enormous difference.
This is why Underwear for Humanity has launched a 3-pack organic sock range designed specifically to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. For every pack purchased, we donate three pairs of socks to someone in need.
On any given night, over 122,000 Australians are without a safe, stable place to live. Many are sleeping in cars, on couches, or in overcrowded homes.
Among those affected are children, women escaping violence, and older Australians who can no longer afford rising rents. Behind every number is a story of someone trying to survive with limited access to life’s most basic essentials.
The Forgotten Essentials: Why Socks and Underwear Matter
For people experiencing homelessness, clean socks and underwear are some of the hardest items to access—yet they’re essential for comfort, health, and dignity.
One outreach worker described it best:
“People always think of donating coats or canned food, but socks and underwear are the most asked-for items. Without them, people suffer from blisters, sores, and skin infections. Clean underwear isn’t just a luxury—it’s a basic human right.”
Unlike shirts or jackets, socks and underwear can’t be donated second-hand. This creates a constant gap between what’s needed and what’s available.
The Health Impact of No Clean Basics
For those living rough, worn-out socks can lead to serious foot conditions, while a lack of clean underwear may cause skin infections, irritation, or discomfort. Without easy access to laundry facilities, people are often forced to wear the same pair for days on end.
One man who had been homeless for months described how receiving a fresh pair of socks made him feel:
“It’s such a small thing, but it changes everything. You feel human again.”
Who’s Stepping Up to Help?
Thankfully, there are incredible initiatives working to fill this gap:
🧦 Underwear for Humanity’s 3-pack organic sock range ensures that for every pack sold, three pairs of socks are donated to people experiencing homelessness. Through partnerships with homelessness services, these donations reach those who need them most.
🧦 Socks & Jocks Drives run by organisations like The Salvation Army and Missionbeat are helping provide new essentials for people in crisis.
🩲 Thread Together rescues unsold clothing from fashion brands and redistributes it directly to people in crisis, ensuring socks and underwear are included (we supply to them too!).
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can make a difference:
✅ Donate new socks and underwear to local shelters or campaigns like Socks & Jocks.
✅ Support brands that are committed to giving back, like Underwear for Humanity.
✅ Spread awareness. By sharing this story, you’re helping shine a light on one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support people experiencing homelessness.
Because Everyone Deserves Dignity
Homelessness is complex, but dignity starts with simple solutions. A fresh pair of socks, clean underwear, or a warm conversation can mean everything to someone doing it tough.
