Mobile services for people in need of showers and sanitary products are facing uncertainty and threatening funds after being removed from the revised $14 billion urban budget.
“The Shower of Hope” is a city-funded service that provides mobile showers and resources to people contracted under the LA Sanitation’s Care Mobile Hygiene Unit Program.
“For the past 12 months, from May to April this year, we have paid over 37,000 showers and placed 23,000 on the skidrow,” said Mel Tillekeratne, Founder and Executive Director of Shower of Hope.
Brandon McGurge, who has lived on the streets of Hollywood for about three years, says service is a lifeline for him after suffering limited mobility due to a nerve that is pinched in his right leg.
“Showers are something I rely on for that,” McGage said. “It really helped my mental health. It even helped me pursue employment.”
Mobile units are deployed in several areas, and Hollywood is second busiest, along with Skid Row and South LA.
“A lot of people who come to us, they take a shower and go to work. These are the people who work in our restaurants. “These are the people we see every day and we don’t know they’re homeless because they can use this service.”
The program receives $2.3 million in funding. The budget has not yet been finalized, but the program has been ruled out under the new approved $14 billion budget.
The proposed cut is expected to cut it to zero and run out of funds by the end of next month.
The mayor of Bass’ office said the initial proposed budget includes full funding for the mobile hygiene program prior to last week’s council vote.
“It helps in different parts of our district,” councillor Hugo Soto Martinez filed an appeal asking the city to find funds. “If we can’t fund it or fully fund it through the city, we will try to peer into other measures, get the help of charity, or use discretionary funds.”
For now, those who work for the program want it to stay,
“This is what our street people deserve. Basic access to the shower and bathroom,” said Thirekelane.
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