Urgent Need for Public Restroom Solutions and Resource Center Support in Loveland
Kat McManus
Dear County Commissioners,
I am reaching out with a deep concern about recent developments in Loveland that could significantly impact our community, particularly around the proposed cuts to vital resources. Recently, City Councilmember Andrea Samson proposed significant funding reductions, including the possible elimination of our 24/7 resource center and overnight shelter. These cuts would have profound consequences, particularly for our unhoused residents and others who rely on these services. I believe your insight and resources may help address this complex issue in a constructive manner.
In Loveland, we have long faced challenges with public restroom access, particularly downtown, where existing facilities are often tied to businesses with limited hours or are only available during private events. The lack of public restrooms has created significant issues for residents, business owners, and visitors. As a parent who frequently spends time downtown, I am keenly aware of how difficult it is to find accessible restrooms—not only for families but especially for our unhoused population.
Despite raising these concerns, I've seen little action or acknowledgement from local leaders. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), for instance, recently starting a large-scale renovation on 4th Street, spanning several blocks, yet there are no plans to incorporate public restrooms. This oversight has led me to question if public health and accessibility concerns are truly being prioritized.
A Portland-based company, Portland Loo, has successfully implemented public restroom solutions in nearby Greeley, resulting in significant improvements to their downtown area. These facilities are specifically designed to address many of the common concerns Loveland officials have voiced, including cleanliness and maintenance. I urge you to consider advocating for a similar solution for Loveland to provide consistent, safe restroom access for all.
If the resource center and shelter close, the city would be left with limited restroom facilities—just a few portables in parking lots, which often freeze over during the winter months and are rarely cleaned. The health implications of this are troubling, as it would likely lead to increased waste on city streets. Such an outcome is preventable with the right planning and support.
I am hopeful that you, as County Commissioners, can help communicate the critical importance of these services and share insights from neighboring areas like Fort Collins, where support for unhoused residents has proven successful. The current proposal to "cut without replacement" by April 2025 is a concerning approach that I believe will have lasting negative effects on Loveland. Public restrooms are a fundamental need, and I strongly believe in ensuring this basic infrastructure is available to everyone, housed or unhoused.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for any support or guidance you might offer. I am available to discuss this further and am happy to share data I have collected in collaboration with Together Colorado over the past year, which underscores the importance of public restrooms in our community.
Thank you for your time and for your commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all Loveland residents.
Warm regards,
Kat McManus
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John Kefalas
 | John Kefalas (he/him) County Commissioner, District 1 |
Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St | 2nd Floor PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190 Cell: (720) 254-7598 |