Essential homeless resources are often overlooked as a necessity for homeless families and individuals across Canada. Food and shelter is great, but personal hygiene is just as important. Resources for homeless individuals seem abundant. Food banks are available across most cities, shelters are available, social assistance, and employment agencies, but have you considered how they may upkeep themselves to get a job, or what they may use to eat with when provided with food? Considering the conditions of a homeless shelter, they are in a better position than someone living in unsheltered conditions where they can at least have a bath. Homeless families and individual deserve the ability to upkeep good hygiene. Not only is it good for one’s health, but it prevents the spread of germs across communities.

Homelessness is on the rise across Canada, so maybe there is more we can do to alleviate the hardship on these individuals facing this crisis. As of 2023 an estimated 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year, with up to 35,000 individuals per night. Shelters are constantly filled with long waitlist and are not the best kept hygiene wise. Many organizations and government programs are working hard to house these families and individuals. During the meantime, we can accommodate and assist them with good hygiene practice for their health and others. Most homeless shelters across Canada are pest infested with cockroaches and rodents. Although families and individuals are housed with a room for shelter, they must upkeep the cleanliness of their room while they are there. They are provided with plates and utensils for eating but are not provided with cleaning resources and materials. Now imagine an unsheltered person and their living conditions. They are outside. They can go to the foodbank for groceries, but have nothing to eat the food on or with, nor are they able to prepare a hot meal in a kitchen. They do not have running water to take a shower, wash their hands or use the toilet. But is water and food enough? Wouldn't it be nice to have a bar of soap, toothpaste with a toothbrush to upkeep oral hygiene? It is not as if they have benefits to attend a dental clinic each year. Consider when they have to use the washroom. It would be beneficial for their health and the health of others if they could have soap or sanitizer to use afterwards.

Good hygiene should not only be accessible to those "better off". Vulnerable and marginalized communities who cannot easily access items for their well being should be provided with the essentials to upkeep good hygiene. Just as food and shelter is important, so is personal hygiene. It will be unlikely for a homeless person to go for a job interview if their appearance is not clean. How can we expect them to take care of themselves and prevent sickness from germs if they do not have antibacterial resources. In turn, if they are able to take better care of themselves germs will be eliminated and not spread among communities. Good hygiene is a luxury. We should care for others as we care for ourselves.