Brooklyn shower bus offers residents a safe space for fresh start
It has served nearly 100 locals per week since it's rollout in 2021 and acts as a safe haven for those in need - giving anyone who stops by an opportunity to reset and recharge.
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The Brooklyn Community Services Shower Bus is providing hot showers, hygiene kits and access to critical care for unhoused residents.
It is the first of its kind in all of New York state.
It has served nearly 100 locals per week since it's rollout in 2021 and acts as a safe haven for those in need - giving anyone who stops by an opportunity to reset and recharge.
"People take showers for granted, and you know, showers make you feel better, when you're not feeling well, someone says 'Take a shower,'" says Tracy Coit, division director of BCS Health, Housing, and Homelessness Solutions. "And we realized that for folks that's unhoused — that's not an option."
In addition to providing a hot shower, anyone who stops by the bus can gain access to housing, mental health, education and employment resources. These services are necessities for local participants, like Christian Ashpry, who says it helps that this program is non-judgmental.
"I know how people are - they like to judge they like to talk differently about people so, why not give us a chance to be better or at least show ourselves better," says Ashpry.
The unique program will continue to serve residents throughout East New York, Alabama Avenue and Belmont Avenue through November from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plans to expand to Flatbush in the coming year.
