By Staff Writer
Photo by James Quigg / Daily Press
Posted in the Daily Press – May 28, 2019
(To read Daily Press original article  CLICK HERE)

VICTORVILLE — Richard dried his hair with a small towel.

“It’s relaxing,” Richard said of the shower he had just taken, courtesy of the Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley’s new Showers of Blessing mobile shower trailer.

“You can clean up without having to worry who’s coming up on you.”

Richard has spent most of the last 15 years living homeless between Apple Valley, Barstow and Victorville. Now, at least once a week, he has a safe place to clean up.

In January, the Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley began a mobile shower program to serve the homeless and needy in the area. The program allows individuals to take 10-minute showers and also makes undergarments, socks and snacks available. The mission is able to serve about 40 visitors per shift.

The shower trailer operates each Wednesday at the rescue mission itself, at Church of the Valley in Apple Valley on alternating Fridays, and at a third church in Victorville once a month.

Along with offering seven opportunities each month to get clean, the shower trailer program introduces services for visitors to help them improve their situation.

“A shower gets them clean and more presentable. They’re more likely to look for employment or other ways to make a change,” said Bill Edwards, Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley Director.

The mission uses a team of 3-5 volunteers to provide the service. The mission is seeking donations of new socks and undergarments.

Church of the Valley is located at 20700 Standing Rock Road in Apple Valley.

Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley is located at 15572 Seventh Street in Victorville.