Dignity on Wheels is one of the largest programs of We Hope. We Hope is an organization set up in East Palo Alto by pastor Paul J. Bains. We Hope provides food and shelter and job training programs to the homeless. In 2015 it also started the mobile hygiene service Dignity on Wheels (offering showers, laundry service and bathrooms) to lift the spirit of the homeless population. The combination of services and the design of Dignity on Wheels’ purpose-built trucks are rooted in We Hope’s practical experience and deep empathy. What’s the value of a shower if you have to wear the same clothes afterwards? So let’s provide laundry service as well. Many bathrooms are closed to homeless people. So let’s add bathrooms. Many people want to shave, but that takes away from their showering time. So let’s equip every truck with an outside mirror and an outside sink. Today Dignity on Wheels comes to 20 cities, including 6 locations in the Bay Area. Each truck shows up twice a week for a 4-hour session which allows for 12 loads of laundry and 36 showers. Toiletries are also provided. On top of that, Dignity on Wheels tries to leverage weekly contact moments with regulars to connect them to the broader services We Hope and others offer, such as job training, health services and permanent housing. And it works: 30% of all visitors end up using thed extended services and 30% eventually get into permanent housing.
