Shower Power originated when one of its founders asked a homeless person she had befriended how long it had been since his last shower. One year was his answer. Within one day, she had conceived of the idea of a mobile shower unit. With two other individuals, she founded Shower Power, which helps restore dignity to people who are experiencing homelessness by providing resources for hygiene and shelter.
Senior Barton Boyll worked this past summer at the local nonprofit from 9 a.m. to noon each Friday. Now that school is back in session, Barton has developed a fundraising method and a coat drive, bringing Shower Power service opportunities to the Jackson Academy community.
The 2021 winter and its unusual arctic weather first brought Barton’s attention to Shower Power. The nonprofit had called for donations to help provide hotel rooms so homeless individuals were not sleeping outdoors during the frigid weather. As he volunteered later that summer, his awareness was raised further. He first worked on packaging bags of essential supplies. Toward the end of the summer, he got to know some of the individuals his work was helping. He saw his work behind the scenes as part of a more extensive ministry. It was a ministry that helped people with many of life’s storms–from escaping the cold, recovering after an apartment burned, or simply having access to a warm shower.
“It became such a meaningful thing to me,” he said. “It was a great ministry. I saw how all this work that I’d done in the background had led up to something really life-changing for those we served,” he said.
The experience led Barton to think about ways to expand his volunteer work. Once school started, and he could no longer be at Shower Power on Fridays, he wanted to continue his involvement. With the approval of the Shower Power founders, Barton worked with a developer to create a website drop page, Project58Seven.com, where individuals can donate to support the work of Shower Power before the upcoming winter. “The idea behind the project was not just for a cold snap, but all of life’s storms,” he said.
The funds donated through Project58Seven.com go directly to Shower Power. So far, 50 nights of accommodations have been provided for those who are receiving help from the project. The goal is to get as many nights available to those who need it as possible. A Rowdy Homecoming Week Coat Drive is also going on this week at JA leading up to homecoming.
Barton is excited about raising funds and helping his classmates become more aware of the needs of others. “It’s a good opportunity for people to really see how you can truly help someone,” he said. Through his volunteer work, he also has become more aware of the challenges of chronic homelessness.
Rowdy Homecoming Week Coat Drive
Clean out your closets and bring us your coats! All sizes needed – children’s coats will be donated to Good Samaritan Center and adult coats will be donated to Shower Power. Coats may be dropped off at carpool on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Homecoming Week and given to any “masked Superhero Rowdy.” Would you rather make a donation so someone will have a warm place to sleep? To do so, contact Barton Boyll or donate online at project58seven.com.
