MI- Portable toilets to serve homeless open in downtown Grand Rapids church parking lot

9-30-2008 Michigan:

GRAND RAPIDS -- After spending the night sleeping on a bench downtown, 35-year-old Monsonae Washington wandered the streets before finding out the nearest public library branch -- and its bathrooms -- were closed Saturday afternoon.

Fearing he wouldn't find a spot were he could legally take care of business, Washington was relieved to see a dozen bright orange portable toilets at Park Church's parking lot downtown.

"Having public restrooms 24/7 is a good idea," said Washington, who by Sunday had used the temporary facilities several times. "They have them in Europe, and it makes sense to have them."

Washington was one of about 50 people attending a rally Sunday at the church to raise awareness about the need for providing safe, clean restrooms during the night for the hundreds of homeless who seek refuge in the city's parks.

Organizers said they hope other churches and businesses will adopt a portable potty, giving it a home on parking lots.

The cost of maintaining one bathroom is $70 a month, said organizer Nathan Dannison. Park Church is keeping the portable toilets for a week.

"We would like to have them all downtown until we can reach a more permanent agreement with the city," he said.

During the event, Mayor George Heartwell said the problem was not new to the city, recalling when he started working for Heartside Ministry about 15 years ago.

"It was a problem back then, it was a problem before I was there, and it is a problem now," he said.

Heartwell said he hopes the city, churches and businesses will work together to find a permanent solution.

The increase in the number of people roaming the streets, including women and children, makes the issue even more pressing, organizers said.

Urinating in public not only carries fines, but it could also get people on the sex-offenders list, which would result in their banishment from homeless shelters.

In the streets at night, people ask others to watch for police so they can do their business when no public bathrooms are available, Washington said.

"If there's no public bathroom, you're gonna go behind a tree or the bushes," he said. "You shouldn't have to ask someone to watch for police so you can use the bathroom."

"People have no choice but to poop and pee in public areas," said Cheryl Millirans, who said she's spent seven years in street ministries in the Heartside area. "We see it and smell it. When you're downtown, watch your step." ..News Source.. by Nardy Baeza Bickel | The Grand Rapids Press