A KFYO Lubbock News Talk column argues that Lubbock lacks enough public restrooms, and that the shortage hits people experiencing homelessness hardest.
The writer says plenty of Lubbock restaurants and stores have bathrooms, but those are not necessarily public. Some places make customers buy something before handing over the key. Others keep the doors locked and give reasons like truckers using the women's restroom or fixtures being out of order.
Some restrooms do open to anyone, the writer says, but many look like nobody has cleaned them since the Clinton administration. Gas station bathrooms get singled out as especially filthy. Park restrooms are nothing special, yet the writer credits them with rescuing parents in the middle of a game of catch with their kids.
For people experiencing homelessness, the column says, finding a place to go can be incredibly difficult. The writer asked a friend who spent several years on the streets of Lubbock where they used the bathroom most often. The friend said most homeless people in downtown Lubbock use the restrooms at Stripes, Walmart, United, and CVS. Those options help, but they are not open 24/7.
Common questions
Why is it hard to find a public bathroom in Lubbock?
- Many Lubbock restaurants and stores have restrooms, but they are not necessarily open to the public, according to the KFYO column. Some businesses make customers buy something before handing over the key. Others keep doors locked and cite reasons like truckers using the women's restroom or fixtures being out of order.
Who is hurt most by the lack of public restrooms in Lubbock?
- People experiencing homelessness are hit hardest, according to the KFYO Lubbock News Talk column. The writer argues Lubbock does not have enough public restrooms, and the shortage falls hardest on those without a home. Some stores require a purchase and others keep doors locked, the writer says.
Are Lubbock's public restrooms clean?
- Many of Lubbock's open public restrooms are dirty, the column says, and gas station bathrooms get singled out as especially filthy. Some restrooms do open to anyone, but many look like nobody has cleaned them since the Clinton administration. Park restrooms are nothing special, but the writer credits them with rescuing parents during a game of catch.
