Showers & Health Screenings for the Homeless

 
During the construction of the health center we decided to install an old shower shell in our patients handicap accessible bathroom. Upon signing in at the front desk, each homeless person is given a disposable plastic bag with a bath towel and assortment of travel size toiletries. After using the shower they leave the used towel in the plastic bag so that they can be laundered.
 
For the first few years we had three to five homeless individuals who would semi-regularly come to the health center when we were open to use the shower. After partnering with another ministry that feeds day laborers the number of showers increased.
 
In January of 2011, the number of homeless men coming for showers ballooned to the point where we have averaged 10-12 men showering each time we are open. During the first ten months of 2011 we provided 600 showers to 140 different individuals.
 

 
In partnership with the New Life Food and Clothing Pantry, the men are now receiving a warm meal on Tuesday evenings after they take their showers.
 
We are always looking for individuals who may want to contribute financially to this program or volunteer to help clean the shower and serve the men.