Lava Mae's Pop-Up Care Village

Ten friends and I are hoping to raise $37,500 by April 30 to support Lava Mae, an organization that provides hot showers and other services for the homeless in San Francisco. A recent census counted 7,500 homeless people in the city. Our goal represents one shower for each of the 7,500 individuals, and we will match every dollar that we raise. 

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to volunteer at Lava Mae’s Pop Up Care Village. We set up outside San Francisco’s Main Library, and in addition to hot showers, visiting guests could receive free haircuts, lunch, medical/dental services, reading glasses, and learn about job opportunities.

These types of events to serve homeless individuals are not uncommon.

What makes a Lava Mae event special is the dignity and respect that guests receive. There was live music and games. There was a “coat check” where guests could leave their belongings while shopping for free clothes. Those with disabilities could rely on “sherpas” to help them get around the little village. The goal of the event was to display radical hospitality to the guests.

And it showed. For many, the morning was a welcome respite that poured some life into their souls. A fresh haircut, a hot shower, and a hot lunch rejuvenated their spirits. Eye contact and pleasant conversation rekindled their dignity. There was plenty of laughter.

If there was a downside, it was that there weren’t enough services available. Four barbers were furiously cutting hair, and they couldn’t get through the list of everyone who would’ve liked a haircut. Even though the showers opened at 8am, not everyone could get one. I talked to a man who had just soiled his own pants; he said he had never done anything like that before. But the backlog was already so deep for showers, that I couldn’t find a way help him. That broke my heart.

Much of the work that Lava Mae does is thankless. Some would call the task of cleaning a shower stall in between showers undignified. But the sparkling clean stall after each shower says otherwise. It tells the next guest that they are loved, that they are worth the effort, that they deserve a fresh start to the rest of their day.

Lava Mae could use so much more help rekindling dignity on the streets. Would you consider donating to our campaign to raise $37,500 by April 30?

http://bit.ly/dignitychallenge

updated 4/15: changed goal date to April 30