“A question of human dignity”. Identifying solutions to improve WASH for people experiencing homelessness. A case study from Germany

Abstract

• Urban poverty and homelessness keep growing while public WASH access are decreasing
• Identification of individual, infrastructure-specific, and location-based solutions to WASH challenges through mixed methods and active engagement of 45 unhoused individuals.
• Solutions include adapting existing and opening up inaccessible infrastructure; constructing new inclusive infrastructure; considering the Human Right to Water and Sanitation.
• Proactive, long-term sustainable solutions are preferred over reactive short-time options.
• Closing the WASH gap involves implementing innovative technical and sustainable solutions and requires collaboration between homeless communities.

Urban poverty and homelessness keep growing while investments in health-promoting services and public infrastructure, including drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) have been decreasing. We used a mixed-method approach to collect data from 45 unhoused individuals in Germany identifying individual, infrastructure-specific, and location-based solutions to improve public WASH. Suggestions included adapting existing infrastructure, opening up existing, but inaccessible and constructing new inclusive infrastructure. Proactive, long-term sustainable solutions were preferred over reactive short-time options. Realizing safe WASH for all requires collaboration between homeless communities, governmental bodies, NGOs, businesses, and sanitation experts.