Testimony for the #FreeToPee Campaign
Testimony of Willie Woods on behalf of the Open Hearts Initiative
before the Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation of the New York City Council
September 19, 2024
Thank you, Chair Restler and other members of the committee, for convening this hearing.
My name is Willie Woods, and I’m a Neighborhood Organizing Intern with the Open Hearts Initiative. I was homeless for over 3 years and have been diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease for over 10 years. I am here today to testify in strong support of Intros 694 and 267, and as a member of the Free to Pee campaign launched by Picture the Homeless in 2018.
When I lived in congregate shelters and had to exit my dorm for most of the day, I didn’t have access to a bathroom much of the time. Even now, when I’m housed, traveling from place to place in a city with so few functional public bathrooms is a challenge.
I think everyone is familiar with advertisements for Crohn’s disease - they consistently show sufferers in urgent need of a bathroom. During a Crohn’s flare, I can no longer plan travel from one destination to another - I have to plan from bathroom to bathroom.
When we are not able to find public bathrooms to use, we have a limited slate of choices. I’ve had my body betray me more than once. I’ve had to relieve myself in the street and risk a summons. I’ve had to make my way through a discount store trying to discreetly purchase new clothing while reeking of human waste. I’ve been stuck on the train, bargaining with a higher authority just to let me make it one more stop. Not to mention the heartbreak of getting to a bathroom, just for it to be closed or inadequately supplied; or the frustration that the line goes around the block. I have suffered the embarrassment of trying to explain to a supervisor why I would be late or have to miss a shift because I’ve had yet another “wardrobe malfunction.”
No one should have to experience that kind of indignity.
It is time for the Council to take the next logical step and pass Intros 694, 272, and 267 as a public bathrooms bill package. Thank you.
