At Street Nurses, we see every day that hygiene is about much more than being clean. For people experiencing homelessness, having a shower, wearing clean clothes, or simply smelling fresh is often the very first step toward health, dignity, and reintegration. That is why we do not see hygiene as a detail, but as a cornerstone of our methodology in supporting homeless people.
Why hygiene is essential for health and integration
According to the World Health Organization, health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Without hygiene, this well-being is impossible. Poor hygiene not only leads to physical problems but also to social exclusion. Homeless people are at risk of being rejected, losing their self-esteem, and getting trapped in a vicious cycle of isolation.
We see hygiene as a lever for change: having access to a shower or clean clothing allows people to reconnect with self-care, dignity, and the ability to rebuild social relationships.
Hygiene as a first step toward trust
Our work always begins with respect and proximity. Talking about hygiene is only possible if the person feels acknowledged. Offering a shower is never a purely practical act: it’s also about warmth, discretion, and providing support so the person feels safe.
One striking example is Mr. V., who had not taken a shower in six months and hadn’t had access to a toilet for three weeks. His skin was damaged, his clothes soiled. It was only after a shower that he agreed to go to the hospital. That small step marked a turning point in his path to health and restored confidence.
The BCB Scale: Body, Clothing, Behavior
We make hygiene measurable and observable through our BCB scale (Body, Clothing, Behavior). This tool enables our teams and partner organisations to assess a person’s condition objectively and monitor their progress over time. It is not based on subjective impressions, but on clear indicators that guide our support and help us better meet needs.
Hygiene as a lever for change
Hygiene goes beyond physical health. The body often speaks louder than words. Torn clothing or a neglected appearance may signal deterioration, while a clean look or a pleasant scent shows improvement. We highlight these signals, as they motivate people to continue caring for themselves.
Hygiene is also a concrete and approachable topic, often easier to address than heavy themes like mental health or addiction. Small actions – washing hands, brushing teeth, wearing clean clothes – make progress visible, boost self-confidence, and break the cycle of neglect.
Hope and reintegration through hygiene
A shower does more than refresh the body: it can also bring up emotions, memories, or shame. We know this process takes time and may involve setbacks. But we continue to see how hygiene restores dignity.
This is the very heart of our work: hygiene opens the door to health, social connection, and ultimately, reintegration into society.