Dignity on Wheels, the first mobile hygiene shower trailer offering free showers and laundry service to homeless people living in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, opened in February 2016.
Update: Dignity on Wheels provides free laundry and shower service to people who are homeless. It was purchased in part with a grant of Measure A funds by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors (see below). The service launched in February 2016.
The trailer is stationed at the Fair Oaks Community Center in Redwood City two days a week. For more information and a schedule, visit the Project WeHope website.
Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2015:
DISTRICT 4 (Supervisor Warren Slocum)
FY 2015-17 Measure A Request WeHOPE Homeless Services Mobile Hygiene Unit $50,000 one-time
Maintaining cleanliness is a daily challenge for the homeless in our County. They simply don’t have access to many facilities that serve this purpose. Project WeHOPE, a nonprofit located in East Palo Alto that serves the homeless with temporary housing, meals, and other supportive services, has requested $100,000 to purchase a mobile hygiene station that includes showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities.
This unit will augment their existing facilities. By investing County resources in the amount of $50,000 and accepting a matching investment of $50,000 from Santa Clara County, Project WeHOPE will be able to acquire and set-up a mobile hygiene unit and cover three years of operating costs.
This one-time investment to close the identified gap in funding is necessary to support the health and emotional well-being of homeless in southern San Mateo County. County staff will develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Clara County and Project WeHOPE to clarify expectations, roles and responsibilities for this one-time investment.
Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 1 on the Board's agenda.