Why We Do It
We exist to fight a simple yet significant issue in Charlotte – the lack of access to showers and toilets for men and women who are moving through homelessness by putting a mobile shower unit on our streets. Why? It’s simple. Dignity matters and is a very real desire of every single person, regardless of circumstance.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg housing and homelessness dashboard, as of March 31, 2021, there are 3,298 people experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, up from 2,816 in 2020, and from 2,106 in 2019. Some additional stats from the county’s 2019 Point in Time survey findings (to read the entire report, click here):
- 11% identified as unsheltered, meaning they spent the night in a car, park, vacant building, sidewalk, bus station or on the street
- 80% of those moving through homelessness identify as black or african american
- 58% are men
- 27% of those surveyed named unemployment as their biggest barrier to housing stability, apart from affordability
- These numbers aren’t an exact science – neighbors who stay in motels/hotels, are well hidden or institutionalized (rehab, jail, hospital) and those who are youth/students are largely uncounted for
Access to showers is very limited for those who can’t or choose not to stay in a shelter. Those who can’t access showers may end up washing up in public sinks, outdoor faucets, or not at all. As a result, they suffer from alienation and preventable diseases like skin infections, open sores, scabies, lice, and staph infection. Limited access to regular bathing may exacerbate chronic diseases like HIV or diabetes by posing barriers to treatment adherence, and can pose a public health concern.
Hot showers sound good don’t they – after a long day or workout, after a weekend of camping, when you’re sick or cold? The very thought of one is appealing. That’s a benefit we can leverage. The draw of such a basic need provides us the opportunity to engage with those who are moving through homelessness. Our goal, first and foremost, is to connect with clients on a personal level, to acknowledge their existence and help restore dignity – something that’s lost on the streets. Through this, we’re able to cultivate relationship and from there, discern their greater needs. That’s why our community partners are key; the relationships we build and conversations we have allow us to work in concert with other agencies serving those moving through homelessness.
We would be remiss to not mention the many benefits of regular bathing. Our guests deserve to know what reduced stress feels like. They deserve to experience improved emotional resilience, higher levels of alertness, self-confidence, and improvements in their overall physical health. And let’s be honest with each other, looks matter. We live in a world where appearance is everything. Providing increased access to regular bathing opportunities (and shaving!) can mean the world of difference. Many of the men and women we serve will tell you that a shower is the difference between setting up an interview or not; landing that job; and keeping that job. We feel opportunities present themselves when people are treated with dignity.