by Max Klinkenborg
The USS ‘FEET-N-MORE’ shower trailer was used for the first time on Tuesday, February 23, giving showers to the homeless in the City of Surprise. Eight member/ friends of Church of the Palms crewed the shower trailer on its maiden voyage at the Salvation Army Church on Avenue of the Arts in Surprise. We provided nine showers for our guests, cared for three pets and charged 5 cell phones.
In addition to the shower trailer we had Chance Shelter for pet care and Circle the City for medical care. Both will be partnering with us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month in 2021. The Salvation Army Church provided free socks, assorted clothes and a wonderful lunch. The City of Surprise was present to offer services for homeless persons as well as I-HELP of the NW Valley.
Church of the Palms gave to each person a toiletries bag, a hand towel and opportunity to charge their cell phone at our charging station. COTP is committed to keep our volunteers and guests safe. We required masks, took the temperature of our guests, and sanitized the shower room after each usage. Before the trailer goes out again, it will be cleaned from stem to stern, towels will be laundered, and soap dispensers filled.
It was a shakedown cruise for us as we discovered the things that were missing, such as sanitary wipes, pencils and portable awnings for registration, charging station and towel distribution. Several volunteers got a nice tan.
The City of Surprise and the Salvation Army are wonderful and generous partners as we work together to care for the homeless in our communities. We look forward to working together on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. We anticipate our numbers will increase as people come to know that we are safe and practicing extravagant hospitality.