[stevenaleach]

What would make the most difference in the quality of life for those on the street would be public showers, public restrooms accessible 24/7, and access to secure and affordable temporary storage in order to leave possessions temporarily without losing them. Boxes installed along sidewalks which could accept change like a parking meter and be set to a combination to unlock - and would remain locked until the time runs out. That would make a huge difference, enormous. The loss of paperwork and documentation as well as clothing and other possessions is a constant problem for those on the street - and the inability to leave the bags behind and not be immediately recognizable as homeless is a huge barrier and trap.

It surprises me that laundromats in the bay area do not have pay showers similar to truck stops. When you must carry all of your possessions it would be nice to be able to be free of dirty clothes (and body) after doing laundry. There are, of course, a few shower facilities which open and close at specific hours and people must stand in line to shower in a shared room with others without control of the water temperature. It is an experience to be avoided. I assure you that 'bird baths' in public restrooms are a far better option. Dignified public showers. That would make an enormous difference in quality of life.

And of course, restrooms. It is absurd and repugnant that the bay area, with the enormous homeless population fails to provide public restrooms accessible at all hours. This, again, is an issue of human dignity and it is also an issue of sanitation and health.

Those are the three things that would make the most difference - restrooms, showers, secure temporary storage - and would prevent homelessness from being an inescapable trap. It would allow people to be functional and presentable in the world, to be able to find employment and have options.