It has definitely been a long time coming. In the fall of 2019 Isaiah 58 Ministries made the decision to begin a shower ministry for our unhoused guests. The only problem was, we didn’t have a shower in order to make this happen. As luck would have it, Compton Heights Christian Church was beginning a capital campaign to improve accessibility to their fellowship hall. This included installing a wheelchair lift, renovating the lower level bathrooms to make them handicap accessible, and renovating fellowship hall.
It was decided that these renovations would include installing a shower that could be used for mission groups and our unhoused guests. Isaiah 58 Ministries assisted in the fundraising for this project and also raised funds to purchase a washer and dryer to help launder shower linens.
The renovations were completed in January 2020. Unfortunately, as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic altered our plans to begin the shower ministry as we were forced to make adjustments to our services in order to keep our volunteers and guests safe. All services were moved outside temporarily where we continued to provide food essentials to our guests throughout the Saint Louis region. And for two years we remained outside, in temperatures that ranged from 0 degrees to 100 degrees. It was a difficult time for everybody, but we persevered to ensure our community was cared for during such a difficult time.
Thankfully, In April, 2022 we reopened the doors of our ministry to once again provide services inside. And after taking time to adjust to the increased number of guests we are now serving, we are FINALLY ready to begin our Shower Ministry.
YAY!
The shower will be open on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 9am to 12noon. Guests are provided with all the essentials necessary for a shower, as well as a change of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, and underwear) as well as a to-go bag that consists of additional toiletries and an extra pair of socks.
We hope that this will provide some respite for our unhoused community, with a chance to bathe in a safe and welcoming space where they are “showered” with hope and kindness.
If you would like to volunteer for this important ministry, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our volunteer form.
