If we desire to create holistic and positive change around an issue of social justice, this will inevitably include education, service, advocacy, public witness, community organizing, and fundraising. Our Shower Project is one opportunity we offer in our building to engage in direct service to ensure more of our houseless neighbors have access to better hygiene and greater wellbeing and health. This is an essential service in a society where access to clean water has become increasingly privatized or accessible only within home spaces.
When our guests arrive at the Shower Project they are met with compassion and hospitality alongside the opportunity to receive a shower, clean clothing, nourishment, and a quiet, cooler place to rest on a hot day or a warmer place to rest on a cold day. This ministry is a meaningful exchange among the volunteers and the guests every week, and we are finding the need is increasing with as many as 40 guests served in a day.
Recently, we expanded our hours from noon – 4pm on Wednesday to add noon – 4pm on Thursday. However, without enough volunteers to staff this vital offering, we had to close early the last two Thursdays. In fact, just a little before 3pm today, one of our neighbors arrived here in the office hoping to take a shower, but I had to share the news that we were no longer open for the day.
This ministry makes a difference. Here are a few quotes from a voluntary guest survey:
“Thank you for being the only positive encounter I’ve had in months.”
“Yes, it’s helped me be more of a man and made me feel way better about myself.”
“Honestly, every aspect of this program is great, the volunteers especially! Everyone is so welcoming and great to talk to.”
I know some of you have shared that you would like to volunteer for the Shower Project to increase access to hygiene, which uplifts the dignity and resiliency of a segment of our neighbors. The volunteers have become a close-knit group within our community who are as open and welcoming to new volunteers as they are to our neighbors. Now is the time to let us know you would like to volunteer, to receive training, and to sign up for a shift. Below is a description of the specific need and how you can help, which is written by Sarah Schurr, one of the retired ministers in our congregation, who volunteers at the Shower Project.
May we all find ways to support access to water – drinking water, toilets, laundry services, and more – so key to wellbeing in Portland, in our country, and all around the world.
In faith,
Rev. Alison
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 13 Salmon Shower Project, First Unitarian Church
“So you say you love the poor? Name them.” — Gustavo Gutiérrez
At the 13 Salmon Shower Project we offer showers, food, and clean clothes to people experiencing homelessness in our downtown neighborhood. We also have a day room where guests can read a book, work on a puzzle, or just drink a cup of coffee in peace. Sometimes we have blankets, or even tents, we can give people on an as needed basis. The Shower Project has been in operation for about a year and has been remarkably successful. We recently expanded from one afternoon a week to two, so we can accommodate more guests.
Our shower project requires a lot of volunteers. Each afternoon we are open we make use of at least 12 volunteers, with six in each of two shifts. Thus, we need 24 volunteers each week. These volunteers help with casually screening and welcoming guests, hosting the day room, cleaning the showers after every use, and helping guests choose new clothes in the clothes closet. It is good and rewarding work. Many of our volunteers say it is a highpoint of their week.
Our volunteers do not need to be medical or social service professionals, though a few are. The greatest skill needed is the ability to respect each person we serve as having worth and dignity, children of God. We are not there to judge them, to fix them, or to preach to them. One of our shower guests recently said they love coming to our program because it is a place where they feel respected.
At this time, we are seeking volunteers from other downtown church communities. It is good work to do, and takes only a couple of hours a week. Volunteers sign up for shifts individually, so there is no need for an every week commitment if that doesn’t work for you. In addition to working at the Shower Project during open hours (Wed noon-4pm and Thur noon-4pm), we also welcome donations of sandwiches, other simple food or snacks, and clean usable clothing. Men’s slim sizes are most needed.
More info can be found on the church website here. People who want to consider volunteering can fill out this form and will be contacted for more information.
Thank you so much!