HELP NEEDED: Portland Homeless Losing Access to Showers & Toilets

It's often so easy to take for granted the luxuries most of us have. A roof over our heads, food in the kitchen, running water, etc. It's also easy to forget that for a lot of us, we're just one disaster, tragedy, unforeseen circumstance from losing those things.

Portland is home to a large and growing homeless population. As if being in that situation wasn't difficult enough, the Preble Street Resource Center is permanently closing down their shower and bathroom facilities. While this is a huge loss for the city, it's being done in an effort to add more beds to the facility.

To reiterate, this local resource that met the basic need of toilet accessibility and basic hygiene for many is going away.

So, what are their options? Well, unfortunately, there really aren't any available right now. During a time where the rest of us are washing and sanitizing our hands at every turn, this population can't even have a daily or weekly routine shower. Access to restrooms no longer exist. That's something I truly struggle to wrap my head around.

With this massive need in the community, the Maine People's Housing Coalition is looking to fill that need in a practical way but need help doing so.

They have started a GoFundMe page to raise money for mobile shower options. And no surprise, they're not cheap.

The unit they are looking at would have toilet, shower, and laundry capabilities and be available on a daily or weekly basis at no cost to those who are in need.

For an idea of what the unit will be like, see examples here. Personally, I've seen similar units set up in at large concert venues, typically for VIP guests, staff, or performers.

How can we expect people to overcome homelessness if not given the tools to do so? Together, we can help make our community a better place for everyone.

If you would like to help you can donate here. If money's tight, it costs nothing to share!