Quality Control Standards of an HBA Member

As a certified Hygiene Bank Association member, these Standards of Quality Control define what it means to run a hygiene bank that truly serves its community. Certification is a signal to your community that your organization centers care, access, and equity in everything you do. When someone sees the HBA badge on your website, they know they can trust what you offer. And when you see it on another member's site, you know you're part of a network that holds itself to the same standard. 

Use this checklist with your team to check in on your practices, identify any gaps, and ensure your organization continues to uphold the values that make this community worth being part of.

  • ✦ Organizational Oversight — Must have a Board, Committee, or Advisory Group providing oversight.

    ✦ Leadership Roles — Must have a consistent, identified person or persons leading the work.

    ✦ Legal Entity — Must operate as a Nonprofit, 501(c)(3), school, or other legal entity.

  • ✦ Financial Record Keeping — Must have a process for recording donations and finances.

    ✦ Organizational Banking — Monetary donations must not be accepted into personal banking accounts. All funds should flow through an organizational account.

    ✦ Income & Expense Tracking — Must have a system to track all income and expenses.

  • ✦ Mission Statement — Must have a clear, written mission statement

    ✦ Hygiene Service Program — Must operate a defined hygiene-focused program.

    ✦ Impact Goals — Must have defined goals with an emphasis on positive outcomes through hygiene access.

    ✦ Ongoing Distribution — Must distribute supplies on an ongoing basis, not just one-time events.

    ✦ Open & Free Distribution — Distribution must be available free of charge without discrimination.

    ✦ Product Quality Standards — Must never distribute used, expired, or unsafe products.

    ✦ Inventory & Distribution Recording — Must track inventory and record distributions.

    ✦ Location Standards — Services must not be offered from a private residence. If clients are receiving services at a location, it must be a safe, appropriate, non-residential space.

  • ✦ Access for Those in Need — Must serve low-income individuals and confirm recipients are in need.

    ✦ Non-Discrimination Policy — Must have a written policy against discrimination of any kind.

    ✦ No Proselytizing or Politicizing — Access cannot require religious or political affiliation.

  • ✦ Live Website — Must maintain an up-to-date website showing how to access and donate supplies.

    ✦ Safe Storage — All supplies must be stored in a safe and secure location.

    ✦ Ongoing Program — Must be a continuous service, not a single event or one-time intervention.

Ready to go further?

These are the minimum standards for HBA certification. Download the full checklist to see the requirements plus our recommended best practices. [Download the Full HBA Quality Standards Checklist PDF]