FREE FLOW MOBILE SHOWERS AND LAUNDRY
Clean Start™️ mission:
"We believe everyone should have access to a warm shower
and clean clothes to cultivate a clean start in life."
904 592 9775
SERVING NORTHEAST FLORIDA HOMELESS
restoring dignity - bridging the gap - providing hope
Water is life.
Warm water freely flowing from the shower above. Sudsing up. Rinsing the dirt and sweat away. Wrapping in a fresh towel. Breathing in new perspective. Sliding into clean clothes. Ready to face the day. This simple act is a daily ritual for most. But not all. There are people - someone's father, mother, son, daughter - homeless and unable to feel this basic need of every human being.
Homelessness destabilizes the lives of our neighbors. Be it job loss, divorce, death, illness, family rejection, violence, and other crises. There are many ways one could experience homelessness, or be at-risk of it, and some people are simply a paycheck away from it.
Consider for the year 2020, from the most recent PIT (Point In Time) survey conducted by our partners at Changing Homelessness: It is estimated that just approximately 1542 individuals experience homelessness in Duval County alone. Of these, 12% are chronic homeless, 11% are veterans, 12% are families with children, 8% are youth, with 57% representing all other homeless groups.
Approximately, 35% of these individuals are unsheltered meaning they have no access to basic hygiene facilities. This represents close to 550 people who are in need of services from Free Flow just in one county!
The local homeless population can be broken down into two groups:
· Sheltered (1001 in 2020)
· Unsheltered (541 in 2020)
Unsheltered homeless are the most vulnerable as they do not have access to a shower or a means to wash their clothes. Local shelters provide shower services at scheduled times throughout the week. For those that can even get there. Many homeless turn to library restrooms or beach public restrooms to try and clean themselves.
This is where Free Flow comes in...providing hope one drop at a time.
WHO WE ARE...
Free Flow is comprised of a passionate team of individuals with a mission to restore dignity by bridging the gaps to provide the basic elements of life to the Jacksonville (and northeast Florida region) homeless communities. Every decision made must impact our mission: Restore dignity, bridge community connections, and provide for the basic needs of the population we serve. Each action is a drop of hope that freely flows and showers people with love, kindness, and an opportunity to transform a life.
When we work with the homeless, we hear a consistent message: "I can't always get to the shelter in time." "They are too far away for me to walk." "I have an interview tomorrow but nowhere to clean up."
They have been heard. We are going to take the much needed support to them. Our long-term goal is to have mobile villages set up in locations across the city where we can reach the most people. We are committed to four mobile units that we believe to be the most needed for the homeless - all free of charge.
Our first mobile unit provides Shower & Laundry services.
Followed by units for Bicycle Repair & Trade and wrapping up with Job & Education.
Each mobile unit providing hope one drop at a time.
Scroll down to learn more about each unit in our Mobile Village or click the button below to see our mobile shower and laundry unit already deployed each week.
OUR MOBILE CARE VILLAGE
SHOWER & LAUNDRY
This is Free Flow's key initiative. One that we feel will create positive change in the community and support the other units in our village. To promote a Clean Start™️ each individual will be provided a warm shower along with a shower kit full of personal hygiene products. Additionally, men will be given a new undershirt, boxers, and socks while women will be given a new sports bra, panties, socks, and feminine care products. Our volunteers will be busy washing their clothes while they shower and groom. All services are free of charge. Get involved now by clicking below!
BICYCLE REPAIR & TRADE
The homeless use bicycles as an economical means of transportation and to carry their belongings. Free Flow will offer a mobile bicycle "shop" where individuals can have their own bikes repaired by professional technicians. Or, they will be able to trade in a bike that cannot be repaired. If an individual needs a bike, we will have bicycles available for them to take that day. Again, all services and bicycles are free.
JOB & EDUCATION
Free Flows wants to equip and empower the homeless to find a better future. Our mobile job and education unit will be used to help individuals obtain a professional email address, create resumes, and to allow them the opportunity to search/apply for jobs. They can also seek educational resources, enroll in community programs, and connect with local mentors. We recognize that people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential with the proper support and guidance. We will provide interview clothing for men and women. All services and clothing are free.