About Dignity Matters

Dignity Matters is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization dedicated to addressing period poverty by providing free menstrual products, bras, and underwear to women, girls, and transgender men who are homeless or disadvantaged. Our mission is to help individuals stay healthy, regain self-confidence, and live with basic dignity.

While period poverty is often associated with developing countries, it’s a serious, hidden issue right here in the United States— including in Massachusetts. Many women, girls, and transgender men in communities across the state face the harsh reality of not being able to afford the essential products they need. Because menstrual products are not covered by SNAP benefits, those in need are forced to make impossible choices between buying food or menstrual care.

The clients we support include single mothers, migrants, refugees, homeless women, victims of domestic violence, LGBTQ youth, and many others who are struggling to make ends meet. These individuals are often faced with the humiliation of not having access to basic period protection each month. In many cases, menstrual products are not donated to shelters or food pantries, and public schools, shelters, and community organizations often cannot afford to provide these necessities.

Our Impact

In 2025, Dignity Matters distributed almost 4 million items to individuals in need across Massachusetts. Each month, we serve over 18,000 individuals, providing them with the menstrual products, bras, and underwear they need to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.

We support over 180 Massachusetts-based nonprofits, including food pantries, public schools, homeless shelters, domestic violence centers, community colleges and LGBTQ+ youth organizations. Our community partners range from national organizations like the Salvation Army to local agencies serving our communities.

Our Unique Support Model

What sets Dignity Matters apart is our strategic approach to distribution. Unlike other organizations that conduct street outreach or sporadic, opportunistic donations, we work with carefully vetted, long-term community partners to ensure that products are distributed in a consistent, planned, and respectful manner. Our distribution schedule is set a year in advance, based on the specific needs of our partners’ clients.

We are able to scale our impact by contracting with multiple manufacturers and suppliers of menstrual products, bras and underwear. This allows us to procure items in bulk, at a fraction of the cost of retail prices. Additionally, many of our suppliers donate large quantities of products, helping us extend our reach even further.

Our Commitment to Humanity, Equality and Inclusion

Dignity Matters is committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where every individual is valued, respected, and has the opportunity to thrive. We strive to build strong, sustainable relationships with a wide variety of community partners and we prioritize supporting organizations with clients in the greatest need, regardless of where they come from, what they look like or how they identify.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Dignity Matters is based in Westborough, MA, and operates statewide, with the goal of providing essential products and dignity to those who need them most. Together, we can help break the cycle of poverty and support those who are working to rebuild their lives.