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RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A HYGIENE FACILITY IN THE CITY FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.
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BY COUNCILORS RUSS AND SIPRESS:
WHEREAS, people experiencing homelessness in the Duluth need accessible services and facilities for their basic hygiene needs; and
WHEREAS, the lack of shower and laundry facilities can be a barrier for people experiencing homelessness seeking or attempting to maintain employment; and
WHEREAS, hygiene facilities specifically designed for people experiencing homelessness have been established in other cities in the United States, such as Seattle, Washington, and Oahu, Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, providing access to essential hygiene services through the establishment of a hygiene facility would improve the self-sufficiency of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and improve public health in Duluth.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the city administration is requested to study the feasibility of establishing a hygiene facility in Duluth for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the scope of the city administration’s study include, but not be limited to, the viability of providing city funding or city-owned property for the establishment of a hygiene facility, how to collaborate with homeless service providers and nonprofit organizations for the operation and staffing of such a facility, the cost of acquiring and running a hygiene facility; the possible locations, the number of people needing hygiene services, and how existing resources could be used to assist in establishing a hygiene facility.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city administration is requested to transmit its findings and recommendations to the council within six months of the passage of this resolution.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to request that the city’s administration study the feasibility of establishing a hygiene facility for people experiencing homelessness in Duluth. Having access to showers, laundry facilities and restrooms is vital to all in our community to maintain personal hygiene and appropriate self-care. For people experiencing homelessness, lack of personal hygiene can create barriers to finding employment and housing and increase the risk of disease. Other cities in the United States have collaborated with community organizations to establish both mobile and fixed hygiene facilities. The council requests that the administration research how other cities have supported hygiene facilities and report back to the city council within six months.
This resolution is part of a legislative package aimed at addressing concerns brought forward by advocates for people experiencing homelessness concerning the criminalization and lack of resources available to those experiencing homelessness.