Organizations such as the St. Vincent DePaul Society are fighting homelessness around the world and here in the United States. When we take a closer look at our own community, the preliminary results of Tallahassee’s 2014 Point in Time County Survey conducted by the Big Bend Homeless Coalition indicated there were 813 people experiencing homelessness early in the first quarter of 2014. The results indicated 75% were male, 24% were female, and 9% were children. These data suggest the importance of meeting the basic needs of the homeless population. Basic needs include shelter, food, and personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is often the first line of defense in preventing illness and remaining healthy. To help address the hygiene needs of the homeless population, the College of Nursing will be launching a three phase hygiene kit project to address the needs of men (Phase I), women (Phase II), and children (Phase III). In the first phase of our homelessness project we will collect donations to purchase items for men’s personal hygiene kits.
Good personal hygiene includes not only washing your hands, but also your body. For the homeless, this can prove to be quite a challenge. Without the proper supplies (soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothbrushes) simple hygienic activities such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands can prove difficult. Concern about their personal hygiene and appearance also prevents them from seeking adequate medical attention because they are embarrassed or self-conscious.
To help address the issue of personal hygiene among the homeless and reduce the spread of illness, the College of Nursing would like to raise $600 to purchase the items needed to assemble hygiene kits for homeless men in our local community. Basic contents of the hygiene kit will include:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Mouthwash
- Shaving cream and razor
- Comb
- Socks
- Underwear
- Condoms