MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE — For some people in the St. Cloud area, getting to shower now means more than feeling clean. It’s also about respect and a sense of dignity.
“Shower the People” is the latest outreach by a Sauk Rapids couple who have been touring around for the past few weeks with a retrofitted 15-passenger van where homeless men and women can grab a bar of soap and shampoo, and in total privacy wash away the dirt and sweat that comes with living on the street.
“People are really, really glad to get a shower because it just feels so good,” said Nancy Dyson ’88 who along with partner Jason Jacques have added this shower on wheels to their five-plus years of mission work that already includes getting laundry done for the homeless and handing out meals and snacks.
“A lot of it comes down to showing people dignity and respect,” said Dyson, who’s had the roaming shower out at least a half-dozen times since its debut about four weeks ago. “Just imagine walking around and knowing that you smell. It’s a huge dignity issue for folks. It’s not changing anyone’s living situation, but we’re giving them a piece of their humanity.”
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/mobile-shower-for-homeless-offers-soap-water-dignity/512025332/
