Taking action:

How we're changing legislation for the better.

The Healing Hands Project will be a voice for homeless women, not only on a community level, but also within legislation.

King County is ranked number three for the largest concentrated homeless population in the country. Roughly 36% of the homeless population in King County are female. Unfortunately, 100% of these women have limited to no access to feminine hygiene products. Periods are not a choice, but a biological process. Homeless women not only deserve feminine hygiene products for their well-being, but as an essential health need. On average, women (including girls), will spend 3,360 days during their lifetime menstruating. The average woman has her period for 3-7 days and menstruates from ages 13-51. The average woman endures 480 total periods over 40 years. That is like menstruating for over 9 consecutive years.

There are certain states who have eliminated the “tampon tax.” The Healing Hands Project worked tirelessly within legislation and has successfully banned the tampon tax. Eliminating a “tampon tax” is only the first step. The future vision for women should include providing a free supply of feminine hygiene products. Tampons and pads should be treated just like publicly available toilet paper.  A women should be able to walk into a facility and have access to tampons and pads, just like she would have free access to toilet paper.