“just because i’m homeless doesn’t mean i have to look it”
what we do + how we do it
we aren’t in the business of solving every issue faced by our guests who are moving through homelessness, we only wish to provide a basic need and restore a sense of dignity. we are providing an opportunity. we are strong believers that being clean is a catalyst for change. our guests deserve regular opportunities to shower and take care of any other personal needs they have with dignity and respect and in a safe, private setting. think about how good you feel after a shower. we bet you feel recharged, refreshed, confident and ready to tackle the day. regardless of circumstance, every person deserves to feel uplifted.
to do this, we literally set up shop on the streets. our customized shower trailer is 20 feet long and comes complete with two private bathrooms – one of which that’s slightly larger to accommodate families and persons with disabilities. each bathroom has its own sink, mirror, toilet and shower. guests are given 15 minutes, and we provide them with any supplies they may need. all items with the exception of towels, washcloths and razors are theirs to keep.
as our guests wait their turn, it provides us the opportunity to form a relationship; to establish trust. the appeal of a hot shower provides a unique yet basic avenue for dialogue especially among those who may not actively seek out help on their own. it’s all about meeting our neighbors where they are to get them to where they need to be. we act as another touchpoint, ultimately connecting them with agencies that can get them on a better path to self-sufficiency. think of us as a unique street outreach team addressing the humanness we all are made of.
to that end, we partner with organizations working to help get our guests into permanent, supportive housing and organizations that encounter those that are homeless on a regular basis, like churches and schools. we aren’t providing this service as a cushion to make street-living “easy” – there’s nothing easy about it, in fact. we are providing this service because maintaining the dignity of every person matters. our guests deserve to know what it means to be and feel clean while moving through homelessness. we believe this basic necessity is a gift. making healthy changes for the better can often start with confidence – which is one of the many benefits of regular bathing.
as our schedule allows, we’d love to bring syl, our shower trailer, to you for a tour. click here to request a tour. please note that, once we’re out on the streets, tours will only be given outside of our street service hours. our street service times are our number one priority; consistency is uber important among our guests.