Unless we are face-to-face with one, we tend not to think about homeless people too often. Unfortunately, homelessness is a big problem in America and even throughout the world. I remember being about 9 years old and I was with my parents in Chicago. My mom had given me 40 dollars to spend on souvenirs, but every time I saw a homeless person I wanted to give my money to them. It just doesn’t sit well with me that some people are without the basic necessities to live. Well a man in St. Louis, Missouri is doing something that I wish I could have done. He purchased a truck for $5,000 and transformed it into something that is of great benefit to so many people.
This is Jake Austin. Wanting to help homeless people maintain some semblance of hygiene, he came up with a plan.
He bought this truck for $5,000, and turned it into a mobile shower unit. He nows drives around St. Louis offering free showers to homeless people.
He renovated the inside and installed two showers.
It also contains two sinks and mirrors. Many people don’t think about bathing as one of the more difficult aspects to deal with while being homeless. Maintaining necessary hygiene is extremely important for your health however.
Each person is given a fresh clean towel.
A safe washing environment is something these homeless people must be incredibly grateful for.
They are also given free bath supplies.
Watch the video to see what some of the first people to use the showers experienced
This story made me incredibly happy inside. Jake doesn’t have anything to gain from doing this. He is simply doing it because he feels it’s the right thing to do. We definitely need more people like this in the world. I can only hope that support for Jake’s cause grows and that he can somehow expand his operations.