The Castro's public bathroom at the intersection of Market, Castro, and 17th streets has returned to operating 24/7 after a request from a local neighborhood group.
The Castro Pit Stop began operating 24 hours a day on June 1.
The change in operations was initiated at the request of the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association (EVNA).
"We need this 24-hour Pit Stop," said EVNA board member Jennifer Waggoner. "Having a place to go is a basic human need."
Castro Pit Stop at Market, Castro, and 17th streets is now operating 24 hours a day. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Waggoner tells Hoodline that EVNA requested the city fully fund the program earlier this year after receiving feedback from neighbors. EVNA also requested that the city fully fund its public shower program.
"Who hasn’t felt the frustration and desperation of needing a restroom, but not being able to find one that is open, safe & clean," asked Waggoner. "We want that for the whole city."
Founded in 2014, the Pit Stop program is a part of the San Francisco Department of Public Works and can be found at 33 locations around the city.
Along with a clean public toilet, the program provides safe needle disposal and a dog waste station.
Attendant cleaning the Pit Stop. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Pit Stop is staffed by a paid attendant who is responsible for ensuring the bathroom is maintained and addressing any unwanted behavior. The Castro Pit Stop is staffed by an employee of the non-profit Civic.
During the pandemic, the Castro Pit Stop operated 24/7 but the public toilet had more recently returned to operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
According to Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon, operating the 24-hour Pit Stop will cost $548,184. Gordon tells Hoodline that the funding comes from the city's general fund.
Safe needle disposal and a dog waste station are also available. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
In response to the change, District 8. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman tells Hoodline “There are clearly not enough public restrooms in San Francisco, and the Castro is no exception, which is why my office advocated for this change."
"I hope the extended operating hours at this pit stop will result in less human waste on the streets of the neighborhood, and provide a modicum more dignity for people experiencing homelessness in the Castro," added Mandelman.
