GREEN BAY (NBC 26) -- The local YMCA is stepping in to provide showering facilities for residents at a homeless shelter.
St. John's Shelter says they have been serving record numbers of guests since middle of last month due to economic and other challenges created by coronavirus. On March 18 they opened a second shelter site at Spring Lake Church to accommodate more people in need. They say the only thing missing is showering facilities.
The Ferguson Family YMCA, just down the street from Spring Lake Church, stepped in to provide shower facilities for the new St. John's location and their residents.
"From the bottom of my heart and as a homeless shelter guest, it means the world to me to be able to take a shower and feel better as a human being," St. John's Guest Intern Mark Taylor says. "I coordinate our shower program, and for me and all the guys, it makes such a big difference and lifts our spirits to have a hot shower every day. You can see the look on our guests faces that shows how much it helps. It is such an honor to be part of this partnership with the YMCA."
The Ferguson Family YMCA says they have worked out a daily schedule to allow approximately 15 men per day to shower. Donated toiletries are available for them to use. In addition, the YMCA's cleaning service partner comes through once the men have finished to clean and sanitize in preparation for the next day's group.
"Every individual, no matter what their current situation, deserves dignity and respect. We are honored to work with St. John's Shelter to help them continue providing that as well as basic hygiene needs to their shelter guests," Sean Elliott, President and CEO of the Ferguson Family YMCA, stated. "We've had a long-standing, positive relationship with St. John's. When they called looking for help we didn't hesitate."
