First Advisor

Emily Van Houweling

Second Advisor

Nina Miller

College

Regis College

Degree Name

Master of Development Practice

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Abstract

This proposal is for a holistic, community-based approach to MHM, with a specific focus on people experiencing homelessness in Denver, Colorado. The proposal culminates in a holistic set of recommendations, including both actionable items and systems- and policy- level suggestions, to improve access to clean and dignified MHM for the intended beneficiaries.

The goals of this proposal are to: 1) Increase community collaboration on addressing MHM; 2) Provide equitable access to MHM products for all people experiencing homelessness; 3) Reduce the stigma associated with MHM; 4) Provide safe, private, and clean spaces for dignified MHM in Denver; and 5) Create systems-level change that will sustainably improve access to MHM. Recommended activities to meet these goals include creating barrier-free systems to distribute menstrual products, increasing street outreach efforts, securing grant funding, training staff working with people experiencing homelessness on equitable access to MHM, and improving public restroom facilities. Additionally, systems-level recommendations include passing legislation to include menstrual products in public assistance programs, eliminating taxation on menstrual products, and addressing the root cause of the issue through a housing-first model.

Date of Award

Spring 2022

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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