Addressing hygiene needs of housing insecure populations: A qualitative analysis of Seattle and King County's mobile hygiene station intervention

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Seattle Public Utility mobile hygiene station program, a program deployed using public funds in response to the large-scale closures of public hygiene facilities due to COVID-19. Study designWe conduct a qualitative analysis using semi-structured interviews. MethodsWe interviewed four Seattle Public Utility (SPU) and Public Health Seattle & King County (PHSKC) employees involved in the design, deployment, and management of the hygiene station intervention. Data were also collected from communications and reports released through SPU/PHSKC web sources. ResultsOur analysis revealed factors affecting the implementation of the hygiene program included the rental of hygiene trailers, community partnership to mediate between housed and housing insecure populations, funding source and cost-effectiveness, geographic location of the units, and maintenance of the units to continue population hygiene support. ConclusionThe SPU/PHSKC hygiene station was designed to support the housing insecure and homeless by compensating for the large-scale closures of public restrooms and showers. Several logistical and financing challenges need to be addressed to ensure the continuity of the program.