When people want to help the homeless they usually think of providing them with money or goods like food, water, and clothes. But what about their personal hygiene? It’s just as important. Soap, clean water, a safe washing facility – these are all things that many homeless people lack access to. This is where Jake Austin steps in.
He has been helping homeless people in St. Louis, Missouri for years now, but just recently came up with a brilliant idea: Austin bought an old truck from Craigslist for $5,000 and transformed it into a mobile shower unit titled “Shower to the People”. The mobile shower on wheels contains two shower stalls and a long row of sinks and mirrors, plus Raise the Bar employees give out free soap for people using the unit. Water is taken from fire hydrants and is warmed up with the help of an external generator.
“Good hygiene promotes health, fosters hope, and restores dignity to those who may have lost it.” – Austin explains.
More info: showertothepeoplestl.org | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jake Austin bought an old truck for $5,000 and turned it into a mobile shower unit
It contains two shower stalls
And some sinks and mirrors
People using the showers are provided with clean towels
A safe washing facility
And free bath supplies
The truck is currently based in the St. Louis area , but Austin hopes to expand to more cities in the U.S. soon
Watch the video to see what some of the first people to use the showers experienced
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3yyzQM9rfLI