Author: Nigel Brunsdon

Some harm reduction spaces require specialised knowledge, regulations, and infrastructure that go beyond the scope of these general tips. Clinical spaces and overdose prevention sites in particular involve complex planning, staffing, and compliance considerations.

A Note About Clinical Space Management

Clinical spaces require far more technical information than can be included here. However the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Center Program has more information on the technical logistics of setting up clinical spaces.

Visit the HRSA

A Note About OD Prevention Spaces

Space Hacks isn’t broad enough to encompass overdose prevention spaces and, like clinical spaces, they require a lot of very specialized information and expertise. There are many resources available that help with the set-up and administration of such sites. If you or your organization are interested in creating an OD prevention space, please see the resource section for more information and technical assistance.

Resources Section

Lockers can offer a rare sense of security and stability for people who carry their belongings with them. To keep the system fair and functional, it’s important to have clear expectations, consistent rules, and a plan for managing demand.

• Post signage clearly and in multiple languages.
• Walk people through expectations for using the facilities first, and enforce any boundaries consistently.
• Keep a waitlist.

Laundry access can be a vital part of supporting dignity, health, and comfort—especially for people navigating unstable housing. With a few clear guidelines and the right supplies, laundry services can run smoothly while remaining welcoming and respectful.

• Post signage clearly and in multiple languages.
• Walk people through expectations for using the facilities first, and enforce any boundaries consistently.
• Make load limits and enforce them, but with compassion. Feel free to make consistent exceptions, such as for emergencies.
• Provide soap and other supplies—the expense is well worth it to save your machines from the wrong product being used.
• Make sure people check their pockets.

Bathrooms and showers are essential services in many harm reduction spaces—but they also come with unique safety, privacy, and accessibility considerations. Creating clear expectations, preparing for medical emergencies, and designing with compassion can help ensure these spaces remain safe, dignified, and functional for everyone who uses them.

• MOST CRITICALLY: Ensure your doors can be opened from the outside in case of a medical emergency.
• Post signage clearly and in multiple languages.
• Walk people through expectations for using the facilities first, and enforce any boundaries consistently. If there are exceptions for certain populations, for example, elderly people, people who are pregnant, or people with disabilities, make those clear as well.
• Make time limits and enforce them, but with compassion. More than one harm reduction OG gently reminds you that sometimes the bathroom or shower at a drop-in is literally a person’s only privacy. Persistent, patient reminders are more likely to extract folks than pounding on the door.
• Though it may be “against the rules” to use drugs in your bathroom, assume that people will use either drugs or insulin and prepare accordingly—have bright enough lighting, easily disinfected surfaces like steel, tile or laminate, sharps containers, and disinfecting wipes.
• DO NOT put in blue or black lights with the intention of discouraging people from using drugs in your space. People will still use drugs; they will simply do so less safely and will take a lot longer because they cannot see properly

Waiting areas are often the first part of a service space that people experience, so setting a calm, welcoming tone matters. A few simple practices—like clear signage, consistent expectations, and light refreshments—can help reduce tension and support a respectful environment. The tips below offer practical ways to create waiting spaces that feel safe, inclusive, and grounded in harm reduction values.

• Post signage clearly and in multiple languages.
• Enforce rules consistently.
• Have your community help self-police.
• If possible, offer light refreshments like coffee and nutritional snacks.
• Don’t forget that independent non-profits can sign up to buy food at the local food pantry for pennies on the dollar for distribution.
• Assume positive intent and treat people like they want to do the right thing—it may not be true, but it is always disarming.
• Watch for agitated behaviors such as arguments, mumbling, pacing, or any sudden change in demeanor.

A well-prepared site sets the tone for the day and helps everything run more smoothly. Whether it’s organising supplies, tidying the space, or checking in with the community, taking time before opening ensures that both staff and participants feel supported. The tips below offer practical ways to build routine, share responsibility, and stay connected to what your community actually needs.

• Pack supplies in kit-making parties during open hours. If you can provide participants gift cards or other incentives, that’s ideal. Even if you can’t pay people, at least have snacks and make it a good time for everyone.
• Make sure the site is prepped before it opens.
• If you don’t have a janitorial service, use a chore wheel or chart to share responsibility for cleaning.
• Rotate who sets up for site so that everyone can do it.
• Use checklists to maintain consistency.
• Make sure to conduct an annual survey of your participants for needs assessment. This can help you understand what folks need and where you can improve your services.
• Make connections with your service provider allies in the community to help get the word out about new supplies or services available through your organization.
• Utilize word-of-mouth and social media to get the word out about your services.
• You might also think about going old-school and putting flyers in places where you think that folks who use drugs might congregate such as food distribution sites, shelters, and bars.