Jerry Summers
In a previous article pertaining to the multi-million-dollar Greyhound bus terminal in Metro Wildwood, Georgia (12/6/2023) it was briefly mentioned that Choo Choo City has been honored with the new addition of a traveling water tank on wheels to offset the closing and drainage of the pond at Miller Park. That watering hole had previously served as a face washing and bathing facility for the members of our community who might not be able to afford a room at one of our local downtown hotels.
The latest 501(c)3 non profit addition to the 2,497 (+1 for Erlanger Medical Center) existing charitable organizations in our community’s never-ending campaign to remove the odors of the past and to make everything (and everybody) sweet smelling in the present and future is “Shower Up” with a goal to provide “showers, hygiene resources, and personal care with mobile shower units.”
The generosity of the “Dynamo of Dixie” inhabitants (Hamilton County, also) is unlimited in their willingness to assist the homeless and needy to enjoy the benefits of the Scenic City in a more aromatic atmosphere.
In their website promo it is presented that the mobile shower unit idea first started in 2016 in Wichita, Kansas when its founding family set up its first unit and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee where donations can be mailed to 5016 Spedale Court #235, Spring Hill, TN 37174.
Since that time the portable bathing units have also been put in use in Chicago (IL), Huntsville (AL), Hartford (CT), Boston (MA), and Tampa Bay (FL).
Shower Up Chattanooga is alleged to have been launched in June 2023 and up to data figures as the number of bathers in the homeless camps and public facilities who have taken advantage of this latest tax free benefit have not been released but should be forthcoming in the near future.
Additional information that is provided is that “Chattanooga now has its own mobile shower unit and serving in multiple locations around the city where friends who are experiencing homelessness can be served the best.”
Shower Up relies on the local community to fund outreach; individuals, families, churches, and businesses support “Shower Up.” On October 29, a unit was observed set up on the Gig City parking lot at the northwest corner of 10th and Lindsay Street next to the City Council meeting site.
This, of course, led to speculation by the local citizenry as to whether the portable bath house would become a permanent location or just through the 2025 elections.
(Other comments as to other potential “cleansing” effects upon local government are “left” to the imaginations of the readers.)
However diligent research has revealed that there is another faith based facility that is also providing bathing opportunities for the growing less fortunate segment of our population.
On January 26, 2023 it was reported in an article, “Local Church To Provide Hot Showers to Unhoused Neighbors” wherein Bridge City Community Church on 3300 Brannon Avenue with the help of Howard High School students built a 250 gallon mobile trailer equipped with showers and four restrooms. It is being used every other weekend at various locations, according to Executive Director Marcus Thomas.
The message and goal of this second program is: “We believe that no one should be denied access to cleanliness because it is a fundamental human right. Individuals experiencing homelessness lack necessities and services—including showers!”
(Both “Shower Up” and “Showered With Hope” have a common purpose of providing warm showers and other amenities to the growing homeless population.)