Despite the addition of public "Pit Stops" around the city, it's no secret that San Francisco has a poop problem. To bring the issue to light—in an unavoidable fashion—mobile shower provider Lava Mae plans to place a massive toilet in the center of Hayes Valley this Saturday, November 19th.

In honor of World Toilet Day—which aims to raise awareness of the 2.4 billion people around the world currently lacking access to toilets—the nonprofit is installing a 14’ x 10' toilet-shaped tent in Proxy SF at Hayes & Octavia. From 10am-3pm, members of the public will be invited to step inside the structure to confront the issue head-on with fellow community members.

The installation was designed by Oakland-based artist Robin Lasser, who's well-known for tackling social and political concerns through towering tents. Inside, visitors will be surrounded by flushing sounds and imagery, as well as the voices of Lava Mae's homeless clients as they discuss the challenges they face trying to manage their daily hygiene needs.

Throughout the event, Lava Mae will offer tours of its shower bus and provide information on how to help increase access to sanitation and hygiene to local populations in need. Students from 826 Valencia will also be out in force to help visitors express their thoughts on the topic in writing (i.e. "poop haikus").

“Lava Mae believes that hygiene is a basic human right, and that everyone, everywhere should have access to clean, safe, and reliable sanitation,” Lava Mae's founder and CEO, Doniece Sandoval, said in a press release regarding the event. “We encourage anyone who shares this belief to help advocate and work for dramatically increasing the availability of restrooms and resources for essential hygiene in their communities on World Toilet Day and every day.”