Mobile Showers Operational

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s “Showers of Blessings” program to provide showers for men, women and children who are homeless in the coastal area of San Diego County is closer to implementation now that the trailer has arrived. Fr. Larry Hart and Deacon Bob Nelson received the trailer from Comforts of Home Services, Inc., (COHSI), Montgomery, IL, in the afternoon of Thursday, January 16, 2014. Manufacture of the mobile shower trailer was enabled by a grant from the United Thank Offering (UTO).

The mobile shower trailer will be temporarily located at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Oceanside, during its final outfitting and “shake down” training of volunteers. Initially, showers will be provided to persons who are homeless in connection with the medical clinics operated by California State University, San Marcos, School of Nursing, at St. Anne’s on Thursdays and at the Episcopal Church Center (ECC), Ocean Beach, on Saturdays. The trailer will be permanently located at the ECC after current remodeling of the ECC is completed.

After recruitment and training of volunteers the program will be expanded to other Episcopal parishes in the coastal areas that have active programs serving persons who are homeless. Four other parishes, not in the coastal area, have indicated interest in assisting the program and look to possible future expansion.

During the shake down period it is anticipated that 40-50 persons will be able to shower each week. When fully up and running it is anticipated that that number of persons will be able to shower each day when the trailer is connected to utilities. Approximately 20 persons will be able to shower when the mobile shower trailer is operating remotely.

Persons seeking more information or interested in volunteering for the program should contact Deacon Bob Nelson, 619-997-5629 or bobnelson1@hotmail.com. Persons with experience driving pickup trucks pulling trailers are sought in particular. All volunteers will be required to attend training which will include ministry team leaders completing the Diocesan “Safeguarding God’s People” program.