At ShowerUp, our mission is to build relationships, restore hope and dignity, and show the love of God to those in need by providing them with shower services and personal care.
We believe that everyone is human. Those experiencing homelessness oftentimes get treated as less than human, and we want to tear down that misconception. Keep reading below to learn more about what we do here at ShowerUp, and also learn more about homeless communities and common misconceptions. If you want to work with us, get involved today!
ShowerUp serves those experiencing homelessness and anyone in need by providing mobile showers, hygiene resources, and personal care. ShowerUp is a non-profit, 501c3 charity. We are supported through the gifts and donations of individuals, families, businesses, churches, and anyone who wants to Shower Grace, Hope, and Love.
ShowerUp chooses the locations based off of the local need for these resources, as well as access to a location and water. We currently have locations across Nashville, Wichita, Huntsville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Hartford, and we are trying to expand in Boston, MA. If you know of a location that needs our services, contact us today!
Inside the ShowerUp mobile shower units, guests will find private, comfortable “shower suites” with a clean shower and sink with plenty of hot water and whatever they need to Shower Up!
Homelessness happens when people are without a permanent residence, such as a house or an apartment. People who are homeless are often unable to acquire or maintain adequate housing, which will perpetuate homelessness in the long-run.
The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty reports that the top causes of homelessness among families were: (1) lack of affordable housing, (2) unemployment, (3) poverty, and (4) low wages, in that order. The inadequate supply of affordable housing perpetuates housing instability and homelessness.
Homeless People across the nation find themselves excluded from the workforce when the potential employer finds their address or lacks one. Above all, there is a widely prevalent belief in our society that homeless people have a substance addiction, criminal background,s and a lack of desire to make a living.
Cities have tried to move people from encampments on the streets to shelters, but the truth is many of them have good reasons not to go. Some reasons that those experiencing homelessness may not go to shelters include:
- Shelter beds are often in extremely short supply.
- Shelters don’t always fit people’s lives.
- Shelters aren’t stable, and many force people to leave when the sun comes up.
A homeless shelter is a place that provides temporary housing to people who don’t have a place to stay. In addition to living quarters, some shelters also provide homeless individuals with basic necessities like food, water, and clothes.
These items are often absent from donation lists but are some of the highest in demand at homeless shelters:
- Toilet paper
- Deodorant
- Combs and hairbrushes
- Nail clippers and nail files
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitation wipes
Other common options include:
- Underwear and Socks
- Toiletries
- Laundry Detergent
- Cold Weather Clothing
- Baby Supplies
