About

Challenge/Problem/Context

      Within the Fraser Valley’s homeless population, a majority are found in Abbotsford. We have seen an increase of  86% over the last five years in the Fraser Valley's homeless population. Each year, B.C. housing conducts a 'homeless count' from communities and cities all across BC. The data which is collected is compared between past years to see the change in our homeless population. This data accounts for differences in circumstances (how this individual became homeless), age, and gender. After the 2014 homeless count revealed that Abbotsford’s homeless population was on the rise, the city established the Abbotsford Homelessness Prevention and Response System (AHPRS). Abbotsford has since struggled to create long lasting resources for their homeless population. 

     

      Roughly 35.2% of Abbotsford’s homeless population are female and therefore face different challenges than their male counterparts. This is due to the female anatomy and the regulation of a female’s bodily functions, specifically their menstrual cycle. Individuals who are struggling financially often are unable to access the proper resources needed to deal with menstruation. The availability of clean and accessible sanitary products, such as pads and tampons, decreases the risk of being exposed to unhealthy bacteria and preventing illness as well as increasing an individual's confidence. Forcing an individual to bleed through their clothing with no way to clean themselves or their clothing is unacceptable when the ability to provide free access to these products is achievable. Pain, cramps, migraines, blood flow, and other physical side effects of menstruation that make life more difficult are harder to face without medication, heating pads, etc. Illnesses, infertility, and other more serious consequences of unsanitary, irregular, and untreated period issues, are also more common among the homeless population as access to medical help and advice is harder to receive (inability to access a car, health insurance, no address / phone number). 

   

      “Period Poverty” is an issue that must be taken seriously. Period poverty does not only affect the homeless population, but individuals who do have a stable source of income and reliable shelter. As period products are expensive with ranging prices from $8.50, to $20+ depending on the brand, the number of products in the box, and location where they are purchased. The fact that feminine hygiene products are so expensive is ludicrous, as menstrual cycles are an uncontrollable biological effect of being born with a functional uterine reproductive system.  Scotland recently passed a bill which has made menstrual products free for all who need it. Making Scotland the first country to ever do this, with the hopes that nations across the world will follow their lead. The ticket question which presents itself  is: why hasn’t Canada, let alone British Columbia addressed this issue and started a conversation in regards to women  paying for products which are needed for an uncontrollable bodily function?  Which is why our campaign project “Bleeding Boldly” is bringing awareness to the inequality of genders in the homeless community in the form of hygiene products.