Improve access to hygiene for homeless youth.

 

The purpose of this bill is to support the health, dignity, school attendance, and overall well-being of homeless and

housing-insecure youth by providing free hygiene kits through schools, shelters, and community organizations.

 

 

Homeless youth in Minnesota face major barriers in accessing basic hygiene items. According to the Minnesota House

Research Department, more than 5,800 minors under age 18 experience homelessness each year, and Youth Link Minnesota

reports that over 6,000 youth are homeless on any given night. Lack of hygiene increases the risk of illness, lowers

school attendance, reduces self-confidence, and limits job opportunities. Providing free hygiene kits will improve

health,dignity, and long-term outcomes for homeless youth while reducing public costs.

 

Homeless youth means individuals under the age of 18 who do not have a fixed,safe, and stable place to live. This

includes youth staying in shelters, transitional housing, or living in places not intended for housing.

* A “hygiene kit” is defined as a package that contains personal care items. At a minimum, each kit must include

specific products.

Each hygiene kit must include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, bar soap or body wash, shampoo, body wipes, a comb or

brush, and menstrual products for those who need them.

* “Distribution system” means the processes by which hygiene kits will be delivered to homeless youth under 18. Kits

will be distributed through public schools, including counselors and social workers who identify students in need.

Homeless shelters and youth drop-in centers that regularly help minors, and non-profit organizations that provide

outreach and support to youth experiencing homelessness.

These groups could receive kits from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and give them directly to eligible youth

at no cost.

 

Funding for this program shall come from the Minnesota state budget under existing youth homelessness prevention and

support services. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is authorized to use its funds to purchase hygiene

products, assemble kits, and supply distribution partners. The DHS may also accept donations, grants, and partnerships

from local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to reduce overall program costs.

The average cost of each hygiene kit shall not exceed $15, unless changed by the DHS for inflation or product

availability. All funds must be used solely for the creation, packaging, and distribution of hygiene kits to homeless

youth under 18.

 

This bill does not require any penalties or enforcement.

 

 

 

This bill will be effective by March 29, 2026