Homeless Enjoy Free Hot Showers

A mobile shower trailer purchased by the Christ Lutheran Church in Goleta is making the rounds.

It parks outside St. Michael’s University Church in Isla Vista on Monday afternoons.

About 15 men and women took turns taking private hot showers. One homeless man said it was miraculous. A homeless woman said the hot water made her feel presentable again.

Volunteers including UCSB students helped clean the showers between use.

Other volunteers offered the people who stepped out of the showers clean clothes and a chance to send their old clothes to the laundry.

The Goleta City Council approved plans for the trailer to stop at the Goleta Valley Community Center on the last Monday morning of every month.

The trailer’s operations manager Linda McDaid said the grey water left over from the showers does not go to waste, it is used to water the plants at the locations where the showers are taken.

The trailer was purchased for more than $20,000. Another $8,000 is needed annually to cover insurance and expenses.

For more information go to, www.christlutherangoleta.org