Bathroom Policy

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In 'n' out SSP

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Mar 18, 2026, 10:47:02 AMMar 18
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Hello everyone-
Would anyone (or everyone) be willing to send me their bathroom policy? We are developing ours and would like some input from agencies that already have bathroom use as part of their programming.
For context, our bathrooms are multi-person occupancy (we have 2 stalls in the 'womens' bathroom, and 1 stall/1 urinal in the 'mens' bathroom- both restrooms have 2 sinks) The door to the bathroom is open and does not lock. 
If anyone would be willing to share if there is a time limit, where to put belongings, what is allowed into the bathroom (large bags etc), number of occupants, availability of period or hygiene products etc. it would be helpful and appreciated. 

Thanks!
Gabe

Gaebriel Lyrek

Pronouns: He/Him/His

 In N’ Out Harm Reduction Services Coordinator

NorthPoint Health & Wellness

2220 Plymouth Ave. N.

Minneapolis, MN 55411

Service Hours: Tuesday/Friday 11-5pm and Wed/Thurs 2-5pm

612-223-3682

Greater MN Harm Reduction Calendar

TC Harm Reduction Calendar

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Maddy Reinolt

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Mar 18, 2026, 11:11:59 AMMar 18
to In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting
RAAN in Duluth doesn't have a written bathroom policy, but I'll share our rules! Ours is a bit different, it's a single occupancy restroom and it's not used all that often because it's in a staff-only area, so we have to bring people back to use it. This helps a lot because then we know when someone is in there.

We have a timer that we set for four minutes when someone enters the restroom. If they're still in there after four minutes, we go knock on the door and make sure we get a response (we call it a "safety check"). They can have as much time as they need as long as they're responding every four minutes — we just keep resetting the timer. We have hygiene and menstrual products on the shelf in there for folx to use, and we check it throughout the day to make sure it's still stocked. 

As far as their personal belongings, we give them the option to leave it behind the counter with us or bring it with them. We used to require them to leave their belongings up front, but then learned that it can feel like we're shaming them, so we now allow them to bring their belongings if that's what makes them most comfortable. 

Sarah Mackin with Boston Public Health gave a really great presentation on bathroom safety at Mahnomen a few years back, she might have a written protocol or something. I can ask her if you think that might be helpful! 

Maddy Reinolt (she, her, hers)
Health Education Program Coordinator
Rural AIDS Action Network
31 W 1st St Duluth, MN 55802
Office: 218-481-7225 | Cell: 218-464-2599


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Subject: [SSP Meeting] Bathroom Policy
 
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Damberg, Kristen

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Mar 18, 2026, 11:39:37 AMMar 18
to In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting

Hello!

Clinic 555 SSP has key code bathrooms & we let people into the bathrooms, but we do not allow them to bring in syringes, etc we have given them.  We just watch their ‘supply bags’  & it has not been an issue.  We still have occasional using in bathrooms, but much less now.  We do read the room re: letting more than one person in at a time (usually do not, because it has not ended well when we did!).  Not all of our staff were happy when we went to a key code system, but it has helped a lot with problems.  We still have to monitor bathrooms/check on people who spend too much time there & are up to shenanigans 😊

Thanks,

Kristen

 

From: sspme...@googlegroups.com <sspme...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of In 'n' out SSP
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 9:47 AM
To: SSPMeeting <sspme...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SSP Meeting] Bathroom Policy

 

Hello everyone- Would anyone (or everyone) be willing to send me their bathroom policy? We are developing ours and would like some input from agencies that already have bathroom use as part of their programming. For context, our bathrooms are

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Marissa Bonnie

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Mar 23, 2026, 9:40:57 AMMar 23
to Damberg, Kristen, In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting

Things that come to mind:

 

- Timed lights to prevent overdose (motion sensor lights go off after a couple  minutes if there isn’t movement)

- spare keys! for STAFF response and staff know where they are

- have a timed system to check on people for safety not policing (of course)

- what way is the door opening? (see Anna Bosch for our new doors new building) so we can respond to a medical crisis

Casey Holmstrom

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Mar 23, 2026, 9:59:49 AMMar 23
to Marissa Bonnie, Damberg, Kristen, In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting

For endeavors clinic when SSP is going on. Generally, knocking at the 5 minute mark – giving warnings (we sometimes have a wait) and a spare key is key! Generally, not have folks bring their new supplies into the bathroom with them, but sometimes we are too busy to catch it. If I see multiple people going, I generally say just one at a time. It’s a one person bathroom stall in the lobby of the clinic.

 

Casey J Holmstrom

Community Health Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Health Care for the Homeless – Hennepin County
Health Services Building, 3rd floor

Cell: (651) 335-5441

HCH Hotline: (612) 348-5553

Fax: 612-313-3699

AFSCME 34 Member-at-Large

StrengthFinders: Individualization, Woo, Strategic, Self-Assurance, Adaptability

 

 

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Subject: [External] RE: [SSP Meeting] Bathroom Policy

 

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Casey Holmstrom

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Mar 23, 2026, 10:01:30 AMMar 23
to Marissa Bonnie, Damberg, Kristen, In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting

We try to have condoms, tampons, pads, hygiene products like wipes in majority of Endeavors bathrooms stocked.

 

Casey J Holmstrom

Community Health Specialist

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Health Care for the Homeless – Hennepin County
Health Services Building, 3rd floor

Cell: (651) 335-5441

HCH Hotline: (612) 348-5553

Fax: 612-313-3699

AFSCME 34 Member-at-Large

StrengthFinders: Individualization, Woo, Strategic, Self-Assurance, Adaptability

 

 

From: sspme...@googlegroups.com <sspme...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Marissa Bonnie
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:41 AM
To: Damberg, Kristen <kristen...@CO.RAMSEY.MN.US>; In 'n' out SSP <nps...@gmail.com>; SSPMeeting <sspme...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [External] RE: [SSP Meeting] Bathroom Policy

 

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Things that come to mind:

John Tribbett

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Mar 23, 2026, 1:02:47 PMMar 23
to Casey Holmstrom, Marissa Bonnie, Damberg, Kristen, In 'n' out SSP, SSPMeeting

Gabe – at Avivo Village we have some structural bathroom safety supports.

  • Door locks indicate if occupied on the outside
  • Motion detector lights inside bathroom
  • 2 + inch gap at door base

 

Combined, or single, these elements allow us to determine if someone is inside, if they have stopped moving, and we can get a visual to determine if someone has fallen or is not moving.

It’s a bit of a different environment in a shelter, but we also do door knocks every 30 minutes asking for verbal confirmation if occupant is ok. If a door is unlocked and light out, we will open after knocking if there is no response to make sure no one inside.

 

 

John Tribbett , (He, Him, His)  
Service Area Director, Ending Homelessness
(direct) 612-752-8255 (fax) 612-752-8201

Avivo
1825 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
We are hiring! See our current career openings
Live well. Work well. Avivo increases well-being through recovery and career advancement while working to end homelessness.
avivomn.org

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