When a person becomes homeless, they enter survival mode to manage outdoor living while meeting their body’s needs. Seeking shelter, finding food and water, and staying safe are among their top priorities. Of course, achieving this is rarely possible.

But for those who menstruate, finding sanitary products becomes an urgent need. No one wants to bleed on their clothes for a week. When choosing between eating or staying clean and dry, the decision is not easy. Sometimes a person has to use a sock to soak up the blood. Even if they do get a hold of pads or tampons, it isn’t easy to make them last long. No matter what, menstruating while being homeless is a difficult situation.

It’s time to reevaluate how we help the homeless. Soup kitchens can provide meals, churches can provide overnight shelter, but few places can provide free sanitary products. Here’s a way we can sustainably help them out: donate new menstrual cups. And here’s why they’re a good alternative:

1. Menstrual cups can safely be worn for 12 hours.

Homeless people often don’t have access to the bathroom for long stretches of time. The local park may have a public restroom, but it’s often locked at dusk, meaning people lack safe options. This makes having a period a very difficult and uncomfortable time. A menstrual cup, however, would provide the same benefits as a tampon but have an extended time frame without the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

2. One cup can be reused for years.

A person can use the same cup for years, so once you give someone a cup, they can rely on that every month to serve their needs. Pads and tampons are single-use products, meaning it’s an additional expense a person has to account for each month. Menstrual cups solve that problem since they’re a one-time purchase.

3. They are very lightweight.

The less a person has to carry around, the better. Pads and tampons can add serious bulk to a backpack. However, a cup takes up a small amount of space, being a very easy thing to carry around.

4. They aren’t expensive.

While they can be upwards of 60 dollars, they are also something that can be purchased at Target for cheaper. This means you don’t have to spend a lot of money to help someone out. It’s a small investment when considering how long it’ll last.

5. Menstrual cups create no waste.

Menstrual cups are the most environmentally friendly option available. They aren’t supposed to be disposable like pads or tampons are, meaning they don’t end up in the landfill. Some cities have limited trash cans around, so it’s harder for the homeless to get rid of their trash. A menstrual cup is a sustainable alternative.

There are several sizes to consider when purchasing a menstrual cup, but the benefits greatly outweigh the uncertainties. When a person feels clean, they are more likely to be optimistic. They can focus on finding shelter and staying safe, which are the steps necessary to have a home again.