Where Can I Go?
May 18, 2026
This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections
Sister Pat Hayes lives and ministers in New York City.
Human dignity is defined as “the intrinsic worth and respect that every individual deserves simply by being human regardless of their background, circumstances or abilities.” Two examples of the expression of human dignity are “protecting personal privacy” and “fostering environments that avoid humiliation”. So, what does that definition have to do with the title of this article: “Where Can I Go?”
When you’re traveling, vacationing, or just away from home for any reason, looking for a place to “go” presents a challenge. Perhaps you duck into Starbucks, or Applebee’s, or Dave and Buster’s and purchase a beverage you really don’t need or want so you can use the “for patrons only” restroom. Or you map out your day and the places you want to visit in light of their proximity to public parks with their “comfort stations” which are not usually comfortable and not well-maintained.
If you’re elderly or walk with an assistive device, navigating any public space is a challenge. Most comfort stations, which are few and far between, aren’t easily accessible. Homelessness presents greater challenges to both the individual and businesses. In any case, no one wants to be caught in an embarrassing situation and finding a restroom offers a merciful solution while helping an individual “avoid humiliation” and “preserve personal privacy.”
Any major city you visit offers the challenge of locating a place to “go” when you really, really need it. New York City, especially, is a vacation mecca. Having safe, clean, and easily accessible sites to “go” is welcomed. In fact, access to public toilets was identified as one of the top 17 ways to improve New York City.
The New York City Council is hoping to solve that issue. The city council invited a “request for proposal” for 20-30 modular public restrooms. These modular restrooms would be free-standing, self-cleaning, and strategically placed in heavily trafficked areas.
As we accomplish 250 Acts of Mercy in 2026, we can explore modern definitions of mercy. It seems that answering the question, “Where can I go?” is a civic, corporal act of mercy.