Community Works Together

Community Comes Together

One day I was talking to a friend of mine in the community who told me about a woman she knows who has a vision. She wanted to transform a bus into a mobile shower unit for giving showers to people who are experiencing homelessness. I wanted to contact her because I was amazed by this concept!

When I met Jeanne we immediately hit it off.  I could tell right away that she would accomplish her mission. And I was more than happy and willing to help her reach her goal!

Within the first year of meeting Jeanne, together with like-minded people  – including my grandkids – came together to start fundraising to buy the bus. We planned many events that first year and we were able to hit our goal and purchase the bus!

Community Created Grace

Then, it took almost a year to complete the bus. Once the bus was ready, she needed a name. When I told Jeanne, “Well, Jeanne, you did it!!”  She said, “Only by the Grace of God & the community coming together!”  At that moment she named the bus Grace!

Grace is beautiful!  She has two bathrooms –  one fitted for those who are in wheelchairs. Grace has a ramp to accommodate them. I had the honor of wheeling the first handicapped guest into Grace for a shower and clean clothes. When he was done, there was the biggest smile on his face. But it got better!!! He then was escorted to have his haircut. Talk about a transformation! He then proceeded to wheel himself over to a table where we had a donation jar, he reached in his pocket and donated what little change he and dropped it in, stating he hasn’t felt this good in a very long time…

Mother’s Day Tea Party

The Showering Love community held a Mother’s Day Tea party. As the guests arrived I saw a woman with a beautiful little baby boy. I went over and introduced myself. She was very protective of him and would not let me near him – but I understood. After awhile, she got comfortable, knowing that we were there for her. She allowed me to hold her sweet child while she enjoyed herself for the next few hours  – while I rocked the baby the entire time.

Community Sleep Out

That brings me to another one of the fundraisers we have for Showering Love. It’s an annual event where ordinary people sleep outside for a night to experience what it’s like for those who do this everyday. While we were together in a circle around a fire pit we shared our experience, strength, and hope with one another. When it came to my turn I told the story of that beautiful mom & her child from the tea party. There was a beautiful lady there that knew them!!! She too had experienced homelessness and was at the tea party that day. That lady shared that they were doing great and were off the streets in an apartment. She showed me a picture of the little boy, tears were rolling down my face…prayers work.

I’m so blessed to be involved with Showering Love. My hope is to see the world come together to end homelessness in this country.

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to people experiencing homelessness
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