Having a daily shower is something most people do not think twice about, but that is a luxury for those living on the street. Soap With Hope, a community shower program offered by The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in downtown Windsor, Ont., addresses that need.

Major Danny Pinksen, executive director, says the program is designed to restore dignity to those who are homeless by providing a hot shower and clean clothing. Soap With Hope is the only program of its kind in the Windsor area.

“When we get out of the shower, we feel mentally and physically refreshed, and we can put on clean, dry clothes. Soap With Hope provides that feeling of cleanliness for the homeless population." MAJOR DANNY PINKSEN

“One of the gaps in service for the homeless population is daily shower service. We have many men and women who are homeless who are not living in a shelter and do not have access to a shower,” Major Danny explains.

Towels, toiletries, personal hygiene items, clean underwear and socks are also available as part of the program.

“When we get out of the shower, we feel mentally and physically refreshed, and we can put on clean, dry clothes,” Major Danny says. “Soap With Hope provides that feeling of cleanliness for the homeless population, along with better health and wellness, improved hygiene and a restored sense of dignity.”

Donations of clothes, socks, men’s and women’s underwear, soap, shampoo and toiletries are being accepted for the Soap With Hope program. Volunteers are also needed to assist those using the service by handing out supplies, explaining how the shower works and preparing the accessible stall for the next person.

Major Danny says Soap With Hope could be expanded from the current morning hours to afternoon appointments as well, depending on demand.

Appointments can be made by calling 519-253-7473 or by dropping by the centre in person.

Chris McGregor is a content marketing specialist for The Salvation Army’s Ontario Division.