ALTHOUGH they share much of the same clientele, The SoupBus and One Humanity Shower Bus were never able to find the right opportunity to collaborate.<\/p>\n
That was until COVID-19 restrictions arrived, and as One Humanity Shower Bus president Fiona Barnett put it, their \u201cnatural marriage\u201d finally eventuated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SoupBus\u2019 clients needed to be able to wash their hands. They asked if this was something we could help with, and we said it would be great to work together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe used to only operate two nights during the week at White Flat Oval, but now we go to Cameron\u2019s every night The SoupBus is there, providing handwashing facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe offer showers on Monday and Thursday nights as well. People can come in, wash their hands, sanitise and use soap with running hot water, and our driver does all the cleaning in between.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Barnett said regular and new clients in need have been able to access a one-stop shop, previously unavailable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can go to one place, have a hot meal on a cold night, a hand wash, and now a shower if wanted. It takes the decision-making process away, not needing to choose between a hot shower or a meal.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur volunteers have been astonishing, and we think people will start to utilise our services more, with both working together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The SoupBus\u2019 food coordinator, Lorraine Gittings, prepares 400 meals a week, working to make sure her clients \u201crealise they matter\u201d in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften they don\u2019t feel that way. My theory is that if we make them feel good about who they are, and remind them that they\u2019re important, they\u2019ll make better choices,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey matter to us and I want them to know that. We aim to provide a safe environment where there\u2019s no judgement or criticism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anyone in need of a shower is welcome at the One Humanity bus, whether they are homeless, or can\u2019t access running hot water at their own house.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not going to question why anyone\u2019s there. The shower is there for them,\u201d Ms Barnett said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ALTHOUGH they share much of the same clientele, The SoupBus and One Humanity Shower Bus were never able to find the right opportunity to collaborate. That was until COVID-19 restrictions arrived, and as One Humanity Shower Bus president Fiona Barnett put it, their \u201cnatural marriage\u201d finally eventuated. \u201cThe SoupBus\u2019 clients needed to be able to […]<\/p>\n