Simply the Basics is inspired by Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the philosophy that people are unable to focus on any needs higher than their current level on the following pyramid. If they are unable to meet needs at the very basic level (food, shelter, clothing, education, and hygiene), they will be incapable of moving up in the pyramid to reach greater goals (job security, sobriety, mental and physical health, and self actualization).
By alleviating the struggle to meet a most basic need, a person can achieve independence in other areas. By removing the barrier of finding the next meal or safe place to sleep, securing hygiene products, and meeting any other basic human needs...People are given the Opportunity to Achieve.