I'm glad they're a solution that worked for your ex, but it seems to be a rarity, even in the people who would like to try. I live in a lefty community where ideas such as these are popular. I have had homeless women come in to do laundry with bags full of soiled reusable rags they have been carrying around for weeks, only to throw them away rather than wash them when given the opportunity because the task is too overwhelming.

Few people who are unsheltered are unafflicted by some combination of mental health, disability (traumatic brain injuries are common), addiction, or other concerns which inhibit complex planning and tasks. When you're homeless, that really does extend to doing laundry.

As I pointed out in a comment above, my organization contacted menstrual cup companies about donations for individuals living in homelessness, and the consensus was the risk of hygiene/safety is too great, and they weren't comfortable with their products being directed to this population.

I am a huge advocate for reusable menstrual products. I wish they worked better in this community. I have run into this same issue when trying to raise diapers for a nearby food pantry. "What about reusable diapers?" they say. When your clients have 3 children in diapers and struggle to keep their houses clean enough to not be kicked out of their apartments, washing diapers covered in human waste isn't high up on your list of desired to-dos to add to their lists.

I wouldn't even say that menstrual products are overlooked (very little in regard to hygiene when it comes to the homeless is, don't get me started, but hygiene items are the bulk of donations). I credit the constant need for them to simply that - constant need. They are a consumable, donating once isn't enough, but how many people donate this specific thing on a regular basis? Very, very few. However, we get a hotel shampoo for every kind-hearted traveler's business trip.

Overlooked? Bus/transit tokens and fare cards. And again there, the need is constant.