Some facilities have specific times when you can shower, so make sure to check out the rules so you don’t miss your opportunity.
After changing into dry clothes, you could lay out your wet clothes to dry if the weather is nice. If not, try to keep them in a plastic bag until you can dry them so they don’t get the rest of your belongings wet.
Try to use the facilities early in the morning or later in the evening for the most privacy.
Some gyms allow you to pay month-by-month while others require you to sign a contract. Depending on the gym, you may have to have a bank account for them to pull out your monthly fee. Some YMCAs will let you shower for free or offer free shower passes to people who are experiencing homelessness.
Gas stations, fast food restaurants, big box stores, and libraries are pretty safe places to try and use their restrooms. Avoid going into upscale restaurants, office buildings, hotel lobbies, banks, or schools. If you do use public restrooms, try to find ones that are single-person. It’ll be much more comfortable for you if there isn’t a chance of someone walking in on you while you’re washing up.
When you use the restroom, take a moment to brush your teeth at least once a day. If you don’t have the chance to use a restroom with running water during the day, use bottled water to wet your toothbrush and clean your teeth that way.
When you can, make it a priority to wash your hands before eating.
Using a laundromat can also give you somewhere to stay for a few hours, which can be really helpful during the colder months.
Asking other people where you can get free supplies is a great way to learn what’s available. Others may know of different programs or times of year that certain places run charity drives.
You can buy a razor and shaving cream at dollar stores, or you may be able to get them for free from different shelters or charities.
If you can’t get pads or tampons, try using folded up toilet paper and changing it as often as possible. Some people use rags or socks and dispose of them once they’ve been used. The important thing is to try to change out the used material as frequently as you can to help prevent infections.
