South Highlander Nancy VanCleve offered this heartfelt testimonial in a Moment for Mission during Sunday worship on September 14.
I have had the privilege of volunteering a few times for South Highland’s Saturday Showers ministry. As with all such opportunities, I have found that I receive much more than I give by serving in this way.
The ministry provides a place for unhoused people to sign up for showers. There is also the opportunity for the men to shave and sometimes even get a haircut from one of the other frequent guests, the incomparable “Tiny.” We offer coffee and conversation, some toiletries, clean, donated T-shirts and sometimes new socks, and a few other clothing items.
One of the strengths of the program is that it doesn’t try to be all things to these folks. I think it works because we do this one thing well. South Highland’s Matthew 25 Ambassadors researched both the needs in our community and the ways some of these were already being met by churches in our area. At SHPC, we have a shower—and the ministry was born.
The organization of the teams on Saturdays is impressive. “The List” is carefully maintained. A time limit is set on the shower so as to accommodate as many people as possible in the time we have. The coffee pot is replenished many times.
As restorative as the showers and haircuts are to our guests, what we’re really providing is a few hours of respite. In my conversations with various guests, I have gained a new awareness of what so many of them are going through. It came clear to me one Saturday that it’s not just about not having a home and protection from the elements. It’s fear and vulnerability, it’s complete lack of privacy, it’s being robbed, and having physical and mental health needs that aren’t easily addressed.
I also have seen that there is a sort of brotherhood among these men and women. They look out for each other when they can. And in many cases they are people of deep faith. Faith in the circumstances that these folks live in is powerful and humbling. And convicting.
What we’re providing is a place for these folks to be comfortable and safe and able to relax a little for a few hours. To be seen and respected. Tiny’s haircuts and shaves are a miracle of giving dignity and even a little pampering to folks who have so little due to their circumstances. I know he sees it that way too, and it builds him up to be able to offer something in this way.
I’ve started a list of the names of the folks I’ve met and spoken with and whose stories I now hold in my heart. I keep the list on my bathroom mirror and pray for them specifically. It’s a gift to be able to do that.
I hope you will consider signing up for a shift or two, especially as the possibility of adding a second shower has now become a reality! (Laura said I could announce that this morning and construction has already started.)
I’m learning so much and it’s really an honor to serve in this ministry.
I’d love for you to meet these new friends of mine.