Menstrual Hygiene

Many unhoused Californians who have periods struggle to afford menstrual hygiene supplies, clean private spaces, and laundry services—making it hard to manage their periods safely and with dignity. This lack of access can lead to serious health risks and affect mental well-being; to learn more about these challenges and possible solutions. 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.

Menstrual Hygiene

Many unhoused Californians who have periods struggle to afford menstrual hygiene supplies, clean private spaces, and laundry services—making it hard to manage their periods safely and with dignity. This lack of access can lead to serious health risks and affect mental well-being; to learn more about these challenges and possible solutions. 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.

Lack of Menstrual Products Causes Health Risks

“I had to do what I had to do to survive [while homeless]. Most of the times it would be either I would have to steal, I would have to go ask people. Or go to school, to request, but, they don’t have the best ones. They have this big maxi pad that’s not built for everybody. It’s literally a Pamper. Or they have these tampons that have the cardboard insert, which is so terrible, so sensitive. That’s a no no.”
– Unhoused Californian

Lack of Menstrual Products Causes Health Risks

“I had to do what I had to do to survive [while homeless]. Most of the times it would be either I would have to steal, I would have to go ask people. Or go to school, to request, but, they don’t have the best ones. They have this big maxi pad that’s not built for everybody. It’s literally a Pamper. Or they have these tampons that have the cardboard insert, which is so terrible, so sensitive. That’s a no no.”
– Unhoused Californian

Human Needs and Survival Strategies

People who have periods need menstrual hygiene supplies for on average 3 to 7 days each month. To manage their periods safely and with dignity, they also need access to toilets, handwashing stations with soap, trash cans, and private spaces to change menstrual products. Because programs like CalFresh do not pay for menstrual products, many unhoused Californians struggle to afford them. This financial burden can force people to steal menstrual products or skip meals and other basic needs to pay for them. Consistent access to laundry services is also important for people who menstruate, so they can keep their clothes and reusable products clean.

Human Needs and Survival Strategies

People who have periods need menstrual hygiene supplies for on average 3 to 7 days each month. To manage their periods safely and with dignity, they also need access to toilets, handwashing stations with soap, trash cans, and private spaces to change menstrual products. Because programs like CalFresh do not pay for menstrual products, many unhoused Californians struggle to afford them. This financial burden can force people to steal menstrual products or skip meals and other basic needs to pay for them. Consistent access to laundry services is also important for people who menstruate, so they can keep their clothes and reusable products clean.

Health Implications

Not being able to manage your period in a clean and safe way can cause several health consequences. If someone does not have enough good-quality period products or is unable to wash their hands properly, they are more likely to get infections in their reproductive or urinary tracts, and can develop Toxic Shock Syndrome. Using items not designed for periods—like cloth, rags, tissue, or leaves—can also expose people to harmful chemicals or toxins. Beyond physical health, not having access to period products or a way to stay clean can also affect mental health. It can cause stress, shame, and depression. From our interviews with unhoused Californians, we learned that not having access to hygiene during menstruation leads to feeling stigmatized and marginalized, which can worsen mental health.

Health Implications

Not being able to manage your period in a clean and safe way can cause several health consequences. If someone does not have enough good-quality period products or is unable to wash their hands properly, they are more likely to get infections in their reproductive or urinary tracts, and can develop Toxic Shock Syndrome. Using items not designed for periods—like cloth, rags, tissue, or leaves—can also expose people to harmful chemicals or toxins. Beyond physical health, not having access to period products or a way to stay clean can also affect mental health. It can cause stress, shame, and depression. From our interviews with unhoused Californians, we learned that not having access to hygiene during menstruation leads to feeling stigmatized and marginalized, which can worsen mental health.

Basic Standards of Care

It is important that people who menstruate have free access to menstrual products, no matter where they are or their housing situation. It is strongly recommended that public spaces provide a variety of menstrual products in clean restrooms, alongside handwashing and disposal facilities. By working with the community and listening to people who menstruate, especially young people, organizations can make sure everyone’s needs are met with dignity.

Basic Standards of Care

It is important that people who menstruate have free access to menstrual products, no matter where they are or their housing situation. It is strongly recommended that public spaces provide a variety of menstrual products in clean restrooms, alongside handwashing and disposal facilities. By working with the community and listening to people who menstruate, especially young people, organizations can make sure everyone’s needs are met with dignity.

Promising Practices

Everyone deserves access to menstrual products, but not everyone can find or feel comfortable getting them. Programs like Free4ME in San Diego and Think Dignity’s Mobile Operations of Dignity help by providing free menstruation products and supportive guidance, especially for unhoused individuals. They offer a safe, judgment-free environment so people can choose what works best for them, ensuring everyone feels respected and cared for. These efforts help reduce barriers and support dignity for all.

Promising Practices

Everyone deserves access to menstrual products, but not everyone can find or feel comfortable getting them. Programs like Free4ME in San Diego and Think Dignity’s Mobile Operations of Dignity help by providing free menstruation products and supportive guidance, especially for unhoused individuals. They offer a safe, judgment-free environment so people can choose what works best for them, ensuring everyone feels respected and cared for. These efforts help reduce barriers and support dignity for all.

Key Takeaway

 For many unhoused Californians, affording basic menstrual products is nearly impossible, putting their physical and mental health at risk. Lack of access can lead to serious infections and feelings of shame, making life even more challenging. Community programs and public spaces that provide free products and clean facilities can make a big difference in helping people manage their periods with dignity. By listening to and working with those most affected, we can ensure everyone feels respected and cared for. Together, we can remove barriers and help everyone meet this basic need.

Key Takeaway

 For many unhoused Californians, affording basic menstrual products is nearly impossible, putting their physical and mental health at risk. Lack of access can lead to serious infections and feelings of shame, making life even more challenging. Community programs and public spaces that provide free products and clean facilities can make a big difference in helping people manage their periods with dignity. By listening to and working with those most affected, we can ensure everyone feels respected and cared for. Together, we can remove barriers and help everyone meet this basic need.

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.