New Shower Trailer for the Houseless Brings Better Sanitation, Self Esteem and Success to TD Shelter Guests

This article was originally published in Columbia Community Connection News.

Kenny LaPoint, MCCACC Executive Director and Rob Mendoza, Shelter Manager showing CCC News the newly installed trailer. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

By Cole Goodwin

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) purchased and installed a mobile ADA compliant four season shower and restroom unit for The Dalles Houseless Shelter using Coronavirus Relief Funds allocated to support non-congregate shelters and COVID response resources. The City of The Dalles helped with the prep work and the installation of the trailer by installing sewer and water hookups for the trailers. The new restroom and shower trailer provides functionality, durability, comfort to guests of the shelter, while also improving shelter guests health, self-esteem, confidence and overall wellness.

The need for shower and restroom facilities were identified as the next number one need (following shelter, and food) by shelter guests. Prior to the installation of the unit, shelter guests had utilized porta-potties paid for by the city and had no access to showers on site. 

Diane showing CCC News the spaciousness of the ADA compliant shower and bathroom. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

MCCAC purchased a custom trailer for the site that includes three restrooms and showers, including one ADA compliant restroom and shower. The custom trailer offers a wide variety of versatility, can be used in all four seasons, has propane heating, and can also be easily disconnected from sewer and water and relocated or used as a mobile shower unit if the need arises. 

The commercial grade shower trailer was built by Montondo Trailers in Buffalo, New York, a company that builds restroom and shower facility trailers for events, commercial needs, disaster relief, and houseless shelters.

Kenny LaPoint is opening up the door to a new era for MCCAC and shelter guests at The Dalles Houseless shelter.

Kenny LaPoint is opening up the door to a new era for MCCAC and shelter guests at The Dalles Houseless shelter. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

“I think it’s important that we have this. Having a shower and restroom unit is a more dignified method of serving our most vulnerable community members that sets our guests up for success,” said Kenny LaPoint, Executive Director at MCCAC. “And it ensures that they have the opportunity to be successful on a day-to-day basis, whether it’s going to a job, going to school or just flat out being healthy. Everyone should have access to shelter and the ability to take a shower.”

Not having access to a shower and being unable to maintain a well groomed appearance can be a source of embarrassment for many individuals experiencing houselessness. Not having access to showers can also significantly disadvantage those experiencing houselessness when applying for or maintaining employment.

“Being able to get up, take a shower, it just makes you feel better being able to start your day off that way,” said Rob Mendoza, Shelter Manager. “Having this opportunity is hard to put into words because it’s awesome. We’re very lucky to have visionary leadership at MCCAC. I don’t see anything but big things for our future and the future of the homeless population.”

“The showers are great,” said Diane, a guest of The Dalles Houseless Shelter “On Saturday I had a good hot shower. It felt good.”

Diane, Pam, and Roland said they are enjoying the new shower and restrooms and are grateful for the support they are receiving from MCCAC as they work to find permeant housing. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Pam shows CCC News the new restroom and shower facilities which are modest but clean and a definite upgrade from the porta-potties.

Roland, another guest of the shelter said that he liked the showers, even though the day he first got to use the propane wasn’t quite working yet so he ended up having a bit of a cold shower.

Pam shows CCC News the new restroom and shower facilities which are modest but clean and a definite upgrade from the porta-potties. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

“These are a godsend. The showers are excellent. It’s good for your self esteem to feel clean and feel like you can go out and be productive in society. Whatever it is you got to do that day, whether you’re looking to find an apartment or get your personal stuff done. It’s really good. Makes you feel better. Did me anyway,” said Pam a guest at The Dalles Houseless Shelter. 

Pam also said she wanted to thank all the staff at MCCAC for their hard work “Thumbs up, the people here really go out of their way to make sure everyone gets what they need.”

LaPoint said MCCAC had plans to install another shower and restroom trailer at the Hood River Shelter in 2022.

Want to Support MCCAC’s Shower Trailer?

Become a shower trailer sponsor! A $250 donation to MCCAC can pay for the propane to heat two weeks worth of showers for 30 shelter guests.