Canadian Hygiene Access
Units
Canadian Hygiene Access Management is a Toronto-based initiative focused on improving access to hygiene facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This program proposes the use of insulated hygiene units that provide access to toilets,showers,and handwashing stations in areas where sanitation services are limited or inaccessible. Our goal is to support public health improve community sanitation,and complement the work already being done by shelters,outreach teams,and healthcare providers.
By providing reliable and accessible hygiene infrastructure,we aim to create safer,cleaner,and more supportive environments for both vulnerable individuals and the broader community.
Canadian Hygiene Access Management Pilot
The pilot program will deploy compact insulated hygiene units designed for year-around use in urban environments.
Each unit includes:
Toilet and shower (separate for hygiene
Sink and handwashing stations station
Heating and insulated walls for winter use
Ventilation system
Waterproof flooring
Toilet paper and hygiene essentials
Wheelchair-accessible ramp (no stairs)
Smart & Safe Design
Secure locking system
Exterior security cameras (no interior cameras)
Timed access system
Emergency assistance button
Daily cleaning and maintenance
Access Model
Access will be provided through:
Shelter and outreach programs
Anonymous QR codes or PIN codes
Time-limited usage sessions
This approach maintains dignity while ensuring safe and responsible use.
Proposed Locations:
Moss Park
Allen Gardens
Parkdale
Lakeshore Boulevard corridor
Final locations will be selected in coordination with the city and community partners.
Project 01
Why Hygiene Access Matters
Access to basic hygiene is essential for health and dignity.
Without access to showers and washrooms,individuals may experience:
Skin infections
Wound complications
Hygiene-related illnesses
Increased barriers to employment and services
Project 02
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
The pilot program is designed to:
Improve personal hygiene and health outcomes
Reduce public sanitation issues
Lower biohazard waste in parks and sidewalks
Support harm-reduction efforts
Encourage connections to outreach an healthcare services
Cost Impact
Emergency room visits related to preventable conditions
City sanitation and cleanup costs
Public complaints related to sanitation
Project 03
Community & SAFETY PLAN
Safe,Respectful and Community-Focused
Canadian Hygiene Access is committed to operating in a way that respects both users and the surrounding community.
Safety Features
Exterior security cameras for monitoring
No interior surveillance (privacy protected)
Emergency button inside each unit
Timed access to prevent misuse
Well lit installation areas
USAGE GUIDELINES:
The units are intended for hygiene use only
They are not supervised consumption sites.
Clear signage will outline appropriate use and safety expectations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
We will work alongside:
Local shelters and outreach teams
Community health organizations
Feedback from the community will be welcomed and used to improve the program.
Project 03
Community & SAFETY PLAN
Safe,Respectful and Community-Focused
Canadian Hygiene Access is committed to operating in a way that respects both users and the surrounding community.
Safety Features
Exterior security cameras for monitoring
No interior surveillance (privacy protected)
Emergency button inside each unit
Timed access to prevent misuse
Well lit installation areas
USAGE GUIDELINES:
The units are intended for hygiene use only
They are not supervised consumption sites.
Clear signage will outline appropriate use and safety expectations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
We will work alongside:
Local shelters and outreach teams
Community health organizations
Feedback from the community will be welcomed and used to improve the program.
ABOUT ME
About the Founder
Safiya Vanderlyn Clarke
Safiya Vanderlyn Clarke is the founder of Canadian Hygiene Access Management, a Toronto-based initiative focused on improving access to hygiene facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
She brings over a decade of experience in healthcare and community outreach. Safiya worked at Mount Sinai Hospital from 2011 to 2018, supporting patient care in both clinical and mental health settings.
From 2022 to 2024, she worked with Homes First Society, gaining frontline experience supporting individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and complex needs.
Earlier in her career, Safiya worked with Black CAP from 2010 to 2012, focusing on HIV prevention and outreach within Black communities.
She attended Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School in 2001, where the values of service, compassion, and supporting vulnerable populations became an important foundation in her life.
Through her combined professional and personal experiences, Safiya developed a deep understanding of the barriers many individuals face in accessing basic hygiene and health services. This led her to create Canadian Hygiene Access Management as a practical and scalable solution to support public health, dignity, and community wellbeing.
