Shower Project

Showers, Clothing, Coffee & Snacks, Respite, & Hygiene Supplies 

Open:

  • Wednesdays, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursdays, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

At the corner of SW 13th and Salmon

First come, first served; open to all who seek a shower

ADA Accessible

VOLUNTEER
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13 Salmon Shower Project Goals

  • Offer unhoused individuals a free and secure space to shower, rest, enjoy a warm drink and snack, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street.
  • Based on compassion and an ethic of mutual care, build relationships between our congregation and our unhoused neighbors.

Questions? Please email us at ShowerProject@firstunitarianportland.org

Donations

We are always in need of the following items:

  • Cases of water bottles
  • Individually wrapped snacks like soft granola bars (easier on teeth)
  • New or used warm clothes for winter and spring
  • Sleeping bags & blankets

These gifts make a big difference in the lives of those we serve! Items can be left in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall. You can get a charitable contribution form when you drop items off.

For information on urgent needs, please subscribe to our Front Steps e-News or check our weekly Order of Service at this link.

Our Story

First Unitarian has a long history of commitment to serving our unhoused community. In 1968, Outside In got its start in the basement of First Unitarian, and we’ve had a close relationship with them ever since. When our Buchan building was built in 2007, the lower level was intentionally designed to provide a space for community service. For over a decade, Portland Homeless Family Solutions (now Path Home) ran a day shelter for homeless families. They now have their own campus. 

As we were re-emerging from the pandemic, a dedicated team of church staff and volunteers began to explore how we could use the space in service of our unhoused neighbors. Planning began in 2023 to use the lower level for the 13 Salmon Shower Project. We opened our doors on January 24, 2024. We added a second day per week in April 2025.

13 Salmon Shower Project’s main goal is to provide access to basic hygiene needs in a safe and non-judgmental environment, known as a “Do No Harm Zone.”  We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, or ability, feels welcome and secure. It is important to note that affiliation with First Unitarian Portland or any religious organization is not a prerequisite for utilizing our services.

Check out this interview with our co-founding project coordinator about community hygiene programs for unhoused neighbors: Think Out Loud Interview about Shower Project — OPB.org

Watch this video from when we first got started in January 2024!

Hear From Some of Our Volunteers

  • “Working at the Shower Project is building a beloved community. The rewards that I experience from the people we serve far exceeds anything that I could have envisioned when I decided to volunteer. They bring me back every week. What a spiritual and uplifting experience!” ~DH
  • “It feels so good to help out with the shower program. Often the issue of the unhoused just seems too big and daunting. Providing this real and needed help to real people is very satisfying.” ~SS
  • “My volunteer time is important to me because one of my top goals as a retired person is to be helpful to others. Our guests are all very good people who are in the midst of the most difficult times. At the church they can relax, snack a bit and get clean. So many have expressed their heartfelt “Thank you”. It feels good to hear that. Being there is also a great opportunity to get to know our fellow congregants better.” ~CK

Join those who find meaning in volunteering by filling out this sign-up form.

For more, visit this article from Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice.

Note: All volunteers who work or interact with clients must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check that is paid for by the church.

Supporters

We are grateful for the invaluable support from:

We are proud to be one thread in the ecosystem of care for people living outside. We are grateful for the encouragement and support of Outside In, Welcome Home Coalition, Sunnyside Shower Project, Hygiene 4 All, Leaven Land and Housing Coalition, and the support of Save Lives Oregon.