The Stress of Being Hygienic While Facing Homelessness

 

    Undoubtedly one of the first images to come to mind when considering people facing homelessness is the lack of resources and cleanliness standards by which they struggle to live with. However, a study conducted in Portland by Portland State University and Sisters of the Road found that nearly 50% of homeless individuals contracted and developed staph infections, scabies, endocarditis (a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves, usually caused by an infection), and urinary tract infections due to unreliable hygiene resources. 

    Some of these issues stem from a plain lack of resources, while other issues stem from areas of discrimination. For example, some individuals surveyed in the study stated that they would sometimes be granted a key to a business's restroom after they purchased an item, but not always, even when making a purchase. It was clear that the cleaner someone's appearance, the more likely they were to be offered the restroom key. 

    These aren't the only hardships they faced though. When denied access to public bathrooms, these individuals would then be left to relieve themselves outside. This led to 20% of those surveyed explaining they received a citation at least once, and 40% had mentioned being harassed by police or private security officers. The conclusion of the study was a significant need for accessible showers, toilets, and laundry services for those without housing. This could be accomplished by either placing one large facility in the downtown area, or scattering several smaller locations across the city. 

Of 550 homeless people surveyed:

40% use public bathrooms in City Hall, Libraries and Pioneer Square Mall

33% use the Portland Loo

32% use the limited shelter restrooms.

21% have been denied access to food or services because of hygiene

22% were turned away from shelters because of hygiene

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You can learn more here.

To learn more about Sisters of the Road and support them, go here.

Information gathered from Sisters of the Road and AlliancePoverty.org

Post by: Jimmy Lyons