About Us

One warm day while covering the Receptionist Desk at a local shelter, a young woman and her male companion stopped by. She asked about the community showers that the shelter offered. Unfortunately, that program was discontinued because there were no staff to clean that part of the facility and no security personnel. I asked about other alternatives. The young lady explained that when you’re homeless there is nothing available and how much more challenging it is when a woman has her menstrual cycle. I was in the building alone because our staff was at lunch or attending other duties off site. The Case Aide would be returning from lunch shortly therefore I asked the young, disappointed-looking lady to come back, and we would help her. Thoughts flooded my mind about the homeless individuals in our community that encounter this basic need daily. The young lady returned, got a hot shower in a safe place, feminine hygiene products, and clean clothing. I didn’t recognize the confident, smiling person that returned to express her gratitude. The transformation was remarkable.

 

You Tube and Google are research tools to explore most topics. I spent quite some time reviewing testimonies about the challenging aspects of showering when homeless. The problem exists everywhere and some organizations like Lava Mae in California found solutions to a growing problem. They began by transforming a bus for showers and graduated to portable shower trailers with laundry components. Homeless individuals would line up for showers, accept other available social services, and express renewed interest in moving forward. In other words, their hope was revitalized and restored.

 

Oftentimes, homeless individuals are told to “get a job” but who will offer an application to someone that is obviously smelly and dirty. A hot shower can build self-esteem and stimulate an interest in pursuing other needs such as mental health intervention, medical care, job readiness and housing. Statistics prove that homelessness is an escalating problem. Restoration Station Inc. provides a viable solution in our community and surrounding counties. We need your financial support to purchase the portable shower trailer, gather hygiene kits and restore hope for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.