Handwashing
Proper handwashing is key to stopping the spread of germs, and having a reliable shelter with permanent access to fresh water, soap, and working sinks makes this simple habit much easier. To learn more about the best solutions for safe and healthy living. Click the button below to view a preliminary draft of the SDSU PSJ WaSH report – the perspectives contained in the report are those of the PSJ research team only and do not necessarily reflect the views of any of our funders.
Handwashing
Proper handwashing is key to stopping the spread of germs, and having a reliable shelter with permanent access to fresh water, soap, and working sinks makes this simple habit much easier. To learn more about the best solutions for safe and healthy living. Click the button below to view a preliminary draft of the SDSU PSJ WaSH report – the perspectives contained in the report are those of the PSJ research team only and do not necessarily reflect the views of any of our funders.
Inadequate sanitation causes disease outbreaks.
“I see [a few] porta potties every now and then and a few handwashing machines, but that’s not going to do it, it’s going to take a lotmore than that. If they can’t house all these people, which I understand, they can’t because they don’t have the resources. But they, at the very least, need to make it [to] where it’s sanitary.” – Unhoused Californian
Inadequate sanitation causes disease outbreaks.
“I see [a few] porta potties every now and then and a few handwashing machines, but that’s not going to do it, it’s going to take a lotmore than that. If they can’t house all these people, which I understand, they can’t because they don’t have the resources. But they, at the very least, need to make it [to] where it’s sanitary.” – Unhoused Californian
Protecting Health Through Hygiene and Housing
By providing access to reliable access to water, soap, and proper plumbing, we can help prevent the spread of illnesses such as Hepatitis A.
Protecting Health Through Hygiene and Housing
By providing access to reliable access to water, soap, and proper plumbing, we can help prevent the spread of illnesses such as Hepatitis A.
Providing soap and water for handwashing is a strong defense against diseases such as Hepatitis A
“And, for example, thinking about hep A, hand sanitizer doesn’t kill it (…) You can rub alcohol. All you want on your hands is not gonna kill it. So you (…) need real soap and water. Hep A is actually resistant to everything except bleach.”
Providing soap and water for handwashing is a strong defense against diseases such as Hepatitis A
“And, for example, thinking about hep A, hand sanitizer doesn’t kill it (…) You can rub alcohol. All you want on your hands is not gonna kill it. So you (…) need real soap and water. Hep A is actually resistant to everything except bleach.”
Well-stocked handwashing stations make handling bodily functions or menstrual products safer for all
“If they did have products, they wouldn’t necessarily have access to washing their hands and like without the products. It’s definitely even messier, and then it could just then be transferred through your clothing, and whatever surface and any contact.”
Well-stocked handwashing stations make handling bodily functions or menstrual products safer for all
“If they did have products, they wouldn’t necessarily have access to washing their hands and like without the products. It’s definitely even messier, and then it could just then be transferred through your clothing, and whatever surface and any contact.”
Long-term housing solutions are the most cost-effective way to address public sanitation problems
“I think, typically for most of the population we serve, we see that they don’t have access to restrooms or hand washing stations or drinking water. So they have to resort to using public spaces to use the restroom.”
Long-term housing solutions are the most cost-effective way to address public sanitation problems
“I think, typically for most of the population we serve, we see that they don’t have access to restrooms or hand washing stations or drinking water. So they have to resort to using public spaces to use the restroom.”
Human Needs and Survival Strategies
It is important to wash your hands at key times—like before eating, after using the restroom, or when caring for someone who is sick—is one of the best ways to prevent illness such as Hepatitis A. Regular handwashing stops the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. Making this simple habit part of your daily routine helps protect both your health and your community.
Human Needs and Survival Strategies
It is important to wash your hands at key times—like before eating, after using the restroom, or when caring for someone who is sick—is one of the best ways to prevent illness such as Hepatitis A. Regular handwashing stops the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. Making this simple habit part of your daily routine helps protect both your health and your community.
Basic Standards of Care
The most effective solution for permanent housing means every home should have unlimited access to fresh, safe, and metered water through pressurized pipes, allowing residents to use as much water as they need and pay regular utility rates. Residents should always have soap, hot water, and clean towels or hand-drying machines, and hand sanitizer as part of their handwashing routine. It is especially important to have a working plumbing system to safely dispose of used water to the sewer system.
Basic Standards of Care
The most effective solution for permanent housing means every home should have unlimited access to fresh, safe, and metered water through pressurized pipes, allowing residents to use as much water as they need and pay regular utility rates. Residents should always have soap, hot water, and clean towels or hand-drying machines, and hand sanitizer as part of their handwashing routine. It is especially important to have a working plumbing system to safely dispose of used water to the sewer system.
Key Takeaway
Washing your hands—especially before eating, after using the restroom, or when caring for someone sick—is an easy and effective way to prevent illnesses like Hepatitis A. Making handwashing part of your daily routine keeps you and your community healthier. Every home should have safe, reliable access to water and handwashing supplies like soap, clean towels, and hand sanitizer. It’s also important to have working plumbing to safely get rid of used water. These simple steps help everyone stay safe and well.
Key Takeaway
Washing your hands—especially before eating, after using the restroom, or when caring for someone sick—is an easy and effective way to prevent illnesses like Hepatitis A. Making handwashing part of your daily routine keeps you and your community healthier. Every home should have safe, reliable access to water and handwashing supplies like soap, clean towels, and hand sanitizer. It’s also important to have working plumbing to safely get rid of used water. These simple steps help everyone stay safe and well.
Your Guide to WaSH Resources
Learn how improving access to water, restrooms, trash disposal, handwashing, showers, menstrual hygiene, and laundry services can transform the lives of unhoused Californians and build healthier communities for all. Each resource provides immediate relief while supporting dignity, public health, and long-term solutions. Click on a topic below to discover more.
Your Guide to WaSH Resources
Learn how improving access to water, restrooms, trash disposal, handwashing, showers, menstrual hygiene, and laundry services can transform the lives of unhoused Californians and build healthier communities for all. Each resource provides immediate relief while supporting dignity, public health, and long-term solutions. Click on a topic below to discover more.
WaSH Services Homepage
Discover ways to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness.
(Click to read more…)
Water for Drinking and Other Survival Strategies
Learn how providing bottled water and 24/7 public water access supports unsheltered Californians.
(Click to read more…)
Toilets
Discover how expanding access to clean, safe public restrooms can improve health and dignity for all Californians.
(Click to read more…)
Trash Disposal Services
Discover how expanded trash services for unsheltered Californians can help build cleaner, safer, and healthier communities.
(Click to read more…)
Showers
Discover how mobile showers and community facilities provide safe, dignified access to essential hygiene for Californians experiencing homelessness.
(Click to read more…)
Menstrual Hygiene
Discover how providing free menstrual products and clean facilities supports vulnerable unsheltered people who menstruate.
(Click to read more…)
Laundry
Discover how clean clothes can improve health, dignity, and job opportunities for unsheltered individuals.
(Click to read more…)