A local group is providing showers to people who are homeless and it’s all being done out of a mobile shower unit.
Ian McCarthy throws toiletry items like a toothbrush, razor, soap, and shampoo into a plastic bag.
“Everything you think you might need to clean your body and ears out and brush your teeth,” McCarthy said.
He drives a mobile shower unit weekly to give people without a home a place to clean up.
“I feel refreshed. it’s better than walking around smelling,” Lonnie Sowers said.
The unit is equipped with four showers and McCarthy said his pastor got the idea while in a coffee shop.
A local church drives this mobile shower unit around to provide clean water to homeless people @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/Wt7OznOBFr
— Danielle Avitable (@Danielle_NBC4) July 11, 2018
“There was a homeless gentleman in there bathing in a sink for like 30 minutes,” McCarthy said.
After donations and fundraisers, they were able to make his idea a reality.
“We believe that love cleans, literally showers,” McCarthy said.
For McCarthy this is something that is close to his heart because he was homeless for four years.
“Being clean really builds your self-esteem,” McCarthy said.
There are 17 people on the list right now waiting for a clean shower @actionnewsjax pic.twitter.com/5hD4RRjvzp
— Danielle Avitable (@Danielle_NBC4) July 11, 2018
Besides being able to leave feeling fresh, several of the people without homes also left with a fresh start.
“Through the process, we helped some homeless people get off the streets and be productive members of society,” McCarthy said.
The church is also in need of donations such as toiletry items. If you want to donate, items can be dropped off at the church located at 2001 Ernest Street.
Cox Media Group
