A mobile hygiene program is locking in a new location to serve Thurston County’s unhoused residents.
Starting on April 18, “Shower Power Plus” will station its trailer at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Run in partnership with Nurture Hope, the program provides hot showers, clean clothes, meals, hygiene kits and referrals. It is funded by Thurston County and operates with a stated goal to “enhance the quality of life for our unhoused neighbors by providing showers, clean clothing, and supplies.”
The team reports delivering more than 3,500 showers since its launch in July 2020, and stated the organization’s strategy is based on “radical hospitality.”
According to the group, services target people living “outdoors, in vehicles, or in makeshift encampments.” Shower Power Plus also said it is “currently partnering with the City of Olympia to host these services in Olympia.”
The program reports that mobile hygiene services help cities and municipalities in Thurston County meet “basic hygiene needs and reduce the health and environmental impacts of some of the most at-risk homeless residents.”
The program also compiles guest data to understand patterns.
“Our initial guests are 75% single males, 5% single females, and 20% couples: some with children," the program stated.
It also reported that “74% (of the people) say they have been homeless more than one year.”
The Shower Power Plus service can accommodate 30 to 40 individuals per session and follows various CDC protocols. The group also noted the county’s funding supports the expansion of mobile showers, hygiene supplies and undergarments for the unhoused.
Nurture Hope manages both hygiene and housing programs. According to the team, the organization supports Thurston County’s homeless community with mobile showers and access to affordable housing.
One account shared by the group illustrates the gaps in housing enforcement and reveals the need for more than legal aid.
“Sarah was being illegally kicked out of her apartment. She took her landlord to court and won, but in the end, he still put her out on the streets. With no money to fight back and nowhere to live, she is now stuck on the streets until she can find a way to get (on) her feet," the group stated.
"Your gift would allow us to help people like Sarah get a good shower, access to hygiene supplies, and affordable housing to help her move forward."
To keep services running smoothly, the program depends on both volunteer labor and community donations. Drivers, operations staff,and outreach volunteers are regularly needed. The team notes that logistical and planning experience is especially helpful in supporting the program’s efforts.
Anyone interested in supporting or learning more about the operation can visit the program’s information page.
Inquiries may be directed to info@nurture-hope.org or by phone at (360) 890-3113.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Snevets
Wednesday, March 26 Report this
OlyGuy
What a waste of resources
Thursday, March 27 Report this
NoseyParker
Not sure about you but I always feel better (and fortunate) after a shower.
Thursday, March 27 Report this
Boatyarddog
OLY GUY
YOUR A WASTE OF BRAINS!
REALLY!!!
Thursday, April 3 Report this