Periods and Homelessness: A Hidden Struggle

Periods are a natural part of life for many people but for those experiencing homelessness, managing menstruation can be a daily source of stress, exclusion, and health risk. In Australia, where homelessness is a complex and growing issue, menstrual health often goes overlooked in both policy and community conversations.

This blog explores how period access intersects with homelessness in Australia, why young people are especially vulnerable, and how communities and services are responding.

Why This Matters: The Link Between Homelessness & Period Poverty

When someone is without safe, stable housing, the basics of menstrual care, clean facilities, privacy, money for products, and a safe place to dispose of used products become much harder to access.

Under these conditions:

• People may skip school or work to avoid embarrassment or discomfort.

• They may use unsafe or improvised materials to manage their period (e.g., cloth, paper).

• They may feel isolated, ashamed, or overwhelmed by stress.

Period poverty isn’t just about product costs, it’s about dignity, health, and equality.

Homelessness in Australia: Numbers You Should Know

On any given night in Australia over 120,000 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in 2021 and that number has risen over time.

Young people make up a significant portion of this reality:

• Around 43,226 young Australians aged 12–24 presented alone for homelessness support services, meaning they sought help without parents or guardians. These young people often face compounding challenges including family breakdown, domestic violence, and a lack of social support.

• In many cases, young people experiencing homelessness are female or identify as women (around 65% of those presenting alone), which directly intersects with menstrual health needs.

• Official figures show young people aged 12–24 make up almost one-quarter of all reported homelessness, and these numbers are thought to underestimate reality because many youths rough sleep or couch-surf.

Living without stable housing often means living without access to:

• Regular, safe bathroom facilities

• Clean water for hygiene

• Private spaces to change

• Consistent supply of period products

Together, these barriers make menstruating while unhoused significantly harder than many people realise.

Young People & Menstrual Barriers

Being young, without stable housing, and menstruating creates a unique set of difficulties:

• Feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in public toilets

• Skipping school due to lack of products or facilities

• Turning to unsafe materials that risk infection

• No reliable place to wash or maintain hygiene

Research consistently finds that menstrual management challenges affect education, mental health, and personal safety, and these challenges are magnified for people without stable accommodation.

Studies in Australia highlight that large numbers of people struggle to afford period products, even outside of homelessness, with over 60% reporting difficulty purchasing them at times. When financial stress compounds housing insecurity, access to menstrual supplies becomes even more limited.

Community Responses & Support Services

Across Australia, organisations are working to address both homelessness and period poverty:

Share the Dignity

A national charity focused on menstrual equity. They:

• Collect and distribute millions of period products to people in need

• Provide “Dignity Bags” to women, girls, and anyone struggling with period access

• Work with over 3,000 charities to reach community members experiencing hardship including homelessness

• Install free “Dignity Vending Machines” in some schools, health services, and public spaces to help people access products without stigma or cost

Homelessness Services & Nonprofits

Organisations like Orange Sky Laundry provide:

• Free laundry and shower services

• Safe spaces for connection

• Services tailored to women and vulnerable groups, helping with hygiene and dignity for people experiencing homelessness.

Government & Policy

The Australian Capital Territory passed legislation requiring free access to period products in certain public spaces, a step toward recognising menstrual products as essential. These responses are important but they are only a start. There is still no national, uniform policy in Australia guaranteeing free, accessible menstrual products in all schools, homelessness services, public bathrooms, or community centres.

What You Can Do

You can be part of the solution to hidden menstrual inequity:

💛 Donate Supplies:Donate pads, tampons, period underwear, heat packs, and hygiene kits to community organisations like Share the Dignity.

💛 Volunteer or Advocate:Local shelters and programs often need volunteers. You can also advocate for better policies at school or in your community.

💛 Raise Awareness:Talk about how homelessness affects menstrual health. Share facts, stories, and resources so others can understand how deep this issue runs.

💛 Support Youth-Focused Services: Young people experiencing homelessness need tailored support from crisis accommodation to menstrual product access and safe hygiene spaces.