Facility Improvement Program: Restroom Renovation Project Begins at Yokohama Kunmouin

Habitat Japan is implementing a “Facility Improvement” program aimed at improving and maintaining living environments in welfare facilities such as children’s homes and shelters for single-mother families. As part of this initiative, a restroom renovation project has started at Yokohama Kunmouin, a children’s home for children with disabilities located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. This project has been made possible through the support of corporate partners such as Sangetsu Corporation and Bloomberg.

Yokohama Kunmouin is a children’s home for children with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities (including developmental disorders). The four-story building, nearly 60 years old, has deteriorated significantly. Habitat Japan has previously worked on renovating rooms and water facilities, but the long-standing issue of restroom renovation is finally being addressed. The existing toilets suffered from severe odor caused by deteriorated piping, posing significant hygiene challenges. In addition, some toilets were designed without doors to allow for assistance with toileting, which compromised the children’s privacy and dignity. Converting these into private stalls is essential not only to resolve these issues but also to help the children develop basic toileting habits.

In response, Habitat Japan began consultations with staff two years ago and developed a renovation plan based on the needs of both children and staff. Thanks to corporate partners, funding was secured for renovations on two of the four floors. The renovation includes installing compact toilets and replacing swing doors with sliding doors to ensure safe use in limited spaces. Additionally, doors with locks that can be unlocked from the outside in emergencies have been adopted to create a safe and secure environment for children.

Construction began in January and is scheduled to be completed in early March after approximately two months. However, the restrooms on the remaining third and fourth floors are also severely deteriorated, and funding for their renovation has not yet been secured. We kindly ask for your continued support and cooperation to create an environment where children can live safely and with dignity.