Join us in providing essential hygiene services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness at our Downtown Orlando Comprehensive Mobile Drop-in Center. By volunteering at our shower station, you play a crucial role in ensuring that our unsheltered neighbors can access clean and safe facilities.
How to Sign Up:
To schedule your volunteer shift, click 'Respond' at the top right of the page or scroll below to view available shifts. While shifts are typically 3 hours, we are flexible with your availability if you need to leave early. Let us know in the notes if you need to adjust your shift duration so we can prepare and accommodate accordingly. Please sign up at least 24 hours in advance so we know how many volunteers to expect the next day.
Orientation Details:
Orientation sessions begin promptly at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, followed by a tour of our drop-in center for new volunteers. We ask that you arrive on time to participate in the orientation, complete your training, and sign in for your volunteer shift.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Sanitizing and wiping down showers.
- Folding towels.
- Re-stocking hygiene in the showers.
- Checking guests in for their showers as needed.
- Logging completed showers.
- Engaging, greeting, and assisting guests with questions they may have.
Attire Recommendations for Safety and Comfort:
- Tops: Plain T-shirts or non-offensive graphic tees, made of breathable fabrics
- Bottoms: Knee-length or above knee-length shorts, or loose breathable pants (khakis, cargos, sweats, scrubs, jeans)
- Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers or shoes
- Jewelry: Avoid large chains, large hoop earrings, or excessive rings, especially when gloves may be worn
Additional Notes:
This role requires sensitivity to guest needs and a willingness to interact with diverse populations. Many of the individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness and may also be navigating mental health struggles or substance use. It's important to approach each interaction with empathy and respect for their circumstances.
While we ask for this level of consideration from our volunteers, we also prioritize the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests. We have contracted a security company to help manage and deescalate any situations that may arise, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
We encourage volunteers to share their experiences on social media to help raise awareness and support for our cause. However, we ask that you always seek permission before taking photos with clients to respect their privacy and dignity.
Your commitment and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your dedication to helping our community.
Why Showers are Essential:
Access to showers is a fundamental need for individuals experiencing homelessness. Regular access to shower facilities can improve personal hygiene, boost self-esteem, and contribute to better health outcomes by reducing the risk of infections and other hygiene-related illnesses. Mobile shower units like those we operate have been shown to provide critical health benefits and improve the quality of life for homeless individuals.
Providing showers not only addresses immediate hygiene needs but also offers a moment of respite and dignity for our homebound friends. Additionally, mobile shower services have been recognized as effective in reaching those who might not otherwise have access to a shelter.
