What The Homeless Need
Some things that the homeless in Portland need are hygienic items and cleanliness. Oftentimes, people who experience homelessness don’t have the access to hygienic items that they may need or access to public restrooms as most buildings don’t let homeless people in to use their restrooms. Since homeless people don’t have access to a home that has all of these things provided, there are shelters, public spaces, and people who provide these necessities to help the people who need them.
Access to Hygiene
According to the Portland.gov website, there are portable toilets across Portland neighborhoods available for people who are experiencing homelessness to help support them in their hygienic needs. This also increases safety in Portland’s neighborhoods. For more information check out the website: Portland.gov
An organization that gives hygienic supplies is Hygiene 4 All. They began in 2018 and on their website, they say “H4A works to ensure our houseless neighbors have an equal voice in creating more equitable access to the basic public resources required for human dignity, including water, sewer, and waste management services.” They are a hub that offers services like hot showers, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, clothing and bedding exchange, etc. Their website: Hygiene 4 All
Cleanliness in Portland
For some background information, according to the Portland.gov website, “The average American produces nearly 5 pounds of trash per day. When people live unsheltered without access to garbage service, that trash becomes visible - and it can become a health risk, too.” This is why cleanliness is important for the people who are homeless as it can become a health risk for them and for the people who come across the trash.
The Clean Camp PDX is an organization that provides garbage in campsites that include homeless people so they can throw their garbage in the trash cans rather than on the streets. Their site says “Clean Camp PDX proactively provides containers to collect all trash before it piles up.” and “In the fall of 2021 we started expanding Clean Camp to more sites.” Meaning they have been expanding for years now. They always look for new locations to set up cans. If you want to, you can contact them with details. Check out their site here.
Another organization that contributes to Portland’s cleanliness is Clean Start. It was established in 1996 and not only do they contribute to cleanliness, but they also provide employment opportunities to the people suffering from homelessness. On their website, it states, “Clean Start employs both full-time permanent staff and temporary trainees.” The workers clean around the city while earning a decent wage and the organization provides housing, counseling, health care, etc. to their employees who are rising up from homelessness. This opportunity beats two birds with one stone which is a great thing. Check out more of the opportunities they provide and their information here.
Why This Matters
The overall impact of hygienic needs for the people who experience homelessness is a huge deal in Portland and everywhere else. They don’t have the same basic access as other people who live in stability. Donating to these organizations and volunteering can make a great difference to Portland and the people who need the help. We can spread awareness of the job opportunities that can be provided to the homeless and create better ways to help them. Get in touch with the people willing to help! You can make a difference in our community!
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