POR 2017 #278 · Agenda item attachment · Oct 16 2017

City of Cambridge O-3 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL October 16, 2017 COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX WHEREAS: On March 14, 2016, the City Council adopted an Order asking the City Manager to report back regarding improving accessibility to feminine hygiene products in public restrooms to ensure that “City residents would not have to risk their health or dignity because they menstruate”; and WHEREAS: The City Manager’s office responded on November 7, 2016 recommending a pilot program focused on low-income women and girls; and WHEREAS: Within this pilot, the Department of Public Works installed dispensers for feminine hygiene products at bathrooms in the five youth centers, the Multi Service Center, and in City Hall “on a trial basis until June 30th 2017”; and WHEREAS: These dispensers were to be restocked three times per week, and the initial cost of the units and their maintenance was about $20,000; and WHEREAS: If the pilot was found to be successful, the continued cost was estimated at approximately $21,000 provided by the DPW operating budget; and WHEREAS: The Department of Human Services was also reaching out to area shelters to see what practices are currently employed; and WHEREAS: Considerable time has passed since the end of this pilot program, and the Council has not received any update as to whether this program will be moving forward on a permanent basis; and WHEREAS: This need recently resurfaced due to information received from the Cambridge Police Youth Boxing Program at the YMCA, whose 650 participants are between the ages of 10-24 and are referred by agencies including schools, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Youth Services, Juvenile Probation, The Home for Little Wanderers, and the Guidance Center; and WHEREAS: This program focuses on mentorship, developing life skills, building healthy relationships, creating a sense of safety, and promoting self-esteem and a positive body image to youth who are at-risk and/or have recently experienced trauma; and WHEREAS: Some of the participants feel that their lack of access to feminine hygiene products can be a source of embarrassment and can prevent them from participating in all of the available activities; and

WHEREAS: Concerns from this program have prompted the Council to request information on the status of this pilot program and what additional steps can be taken to ensure that young women and girls in Cambridge’s afterschool programs, youth centers, and other public facilities have easy and equitable access to the basic personal care products necessary for their health and comfort; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Department of Public Works to provide the City Council with an update on the pilot program regarding feminine hygiene products in public facilities and a reasonable timeline for instituting a permanent solution; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Department of Human Services to determine the feasibility of improving access to these products in their programs and to update the Council on their discussions with shelters; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with Cambridge Women’s Commission on both of these matters; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on both of these matters in a timely manner.