CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Local organizations are struggling to get funding for feminine hygiene products their patients need.

Several organizations, including Family Care Health Centers and Kanawha Valley Collective, explained this has been an issue for quite some time, but it is only just starting to be talked about.

Cassandra Harrison, a clinical team lead for Family Care Health Centers, works with patients every day. She said some patients have to make the decision between buying feminine hygiene supplies and food.

"When you have a decision to make whether your gonna buy a pound ground beef or hygiene products, you're gonna take care of your kid before you worry about your hygiene products," she said.

Having to struggle without feminine hygiene supplies is something many women have to deal with. Traci Strickland, the executive director for Kanawha Valley Collective, said many people are impacted by poverty and not having supplies impacts all parts of their life.

"You have a lot of people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty that have the biological function of having a period and sanitary products are not cheap at all," she said. "So it is a need. It impacts your cleanliness, your self-esteem, your ability to work, and your health."

Those in poverty or dealing with homelessness have to rely on others to help them when they are on their cycle. Whether that be going to a shelter or sharing products with each other.

"The amount of sharing or trading that goes on to make sure that people get their needs met is really remarkable," Strickland said.

Strickland said they typically see 20 to 30 people per day for some sort of hygiene need. They've added showers to some of their locations, like Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church. Its a safe space where people can find period products, hygiene supplies, clothes and much more -- but funding is a challenge they face.

"We're always looking for tiny pots of money within grants, and looking at other places that get donations," she said. "It's not as if most of our major funders will pay for this. We're looking in nooks and crannies for things."

Family Care Health Centers have multiple location across the area. It also struggles with supporting its patients feminine hygiene needs.

Merinda Stricklen, the director health and community education department, said they do not have too many supplies across all of their locations.

"We have limited supply here. It's only one pad and one tampon. That doesn't even last someone one day," she said.

The group is now trying to to find more resources.

"We all may be all limited in our resources, but if we come together then we can provide the things they need," Stricklen said. "We'll figure out a way."

Both groups knowing they'll continue to find ways to meet their patients needs no matter what.

To donate to family care, you can drop-off feminine hygiene products at any of its locations.

To donate to Kanawha Valley collective you can email tstrickland@kvccoc.org and drop off at1015 Smith Street in Charleston.