Here’s a staggering fact: when you’re homeless, something as basic as a bar of soap can save your life.
Without access to basic sanitation necessities, humans are more susceptible to infections and illnesses. According to statistics from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, homeless people typically live 28 fewer years than those who live in homes.
That’s why Kathryn Xian, an activist based in Honolulu, Hawaii, developed a project called Pono Soap to help the growing homeless population there.
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“If we give houseless families a chance,” she says, “they’ll utilize it because they know how bad it can get. All we have to do is set up a system that can set up the beginnings of that in a respectful way. In a way that they feel they’re cared about.”
Xian hopes to get an online store and crowdfunding campaign launched in February. You can keep up with the latest by signing up for her newsletter at ponosoap.com.
