Surviving Summer Without Shelter: Essential Items for Our Unhoused Neighbors
Summer officially begins in June—but in South Florida, we’re already feeling it. Scorching heat. Sudden downpours. Sticky humidity. And while most of us can retreat to air conditioning or toss an umbrella in the car, people experiencing homelessness don’t have that luxury.
Imagine facing a Florida summer with nowhere to escape the heat and no dry place to store your belongings. From May through October, we enter what’s known as the rainy season—and for our unhoused neighbors, that means daily challenges just to stay dry, cool, and safe.
Adding to the urgency, NOAA predicts an above-normal hurricane season this year. The combined threat of extreme heat, intense humidity, and potential hurricanes means our unhoused community faces unprecedented dangers in the months ahead.
At Showering Love, we’re committed to providing essential comfort, dignity, and relief during these critical summer months—and we urgently need your help.
At Showering Love, we’re doing everything we can to provide comfort, dignity, and relief during these intense summer months—and we need your help.
Our Mobile Shower Buses Are a Lifeline
A rainy day in Miami
During this time of year, our fully self-contained mobile shower buses are more than just a place to get clean—they are a refuge. Guests receive:
Private, hot showers
Fresh towels, hygiene kits, and a spritz of cologne or perfume
New fresh clothing, socks, and more
Care and compassion from our team that treat them with dignity
Our services bring relief from the heat, protection from the elements, and a moment of peace in a chaotic world.
What’s Urgently Needed This Summer:
🌞 Sunscreen & Sun Hats – For someone spending the entire day exposed to the sun, protection from sunburn and heatstroke is vital.
😎 Protective Sunglasses – Shielding your eyes from harsh UV rays isn’t just a comfort—it’s a health necessity.
💧 Water Bottles – Dehydration is a major risk. We always need bottled water to distribute on hot days.
🧴 Deodorant & Disposable Wipes – With the heat and lack of access to showers, these items help maintain hygiene and dignity.
🧼 Expandable Towel Tablets – Have you seen these? Just add water and they turn into durable towels—great for freshening up on the go.
🦶 Foot Powder – Wet shoes, constant walking, and heat can cause serious foot issues. Foot powder helps prevent infection and discomfort.
🌧️ Rain Ponchos & Waterproof Document Holders – Protecting your only dry clothes or personal documents during a sudden storm can be nearly impossible without these.
🦷 Toothbrushes & Nail Clippers – Small but powerful tools that help prevent infection and maintain self-care.
🔦 Flashlights (Always Needed!) – Darkness brings vulnerability. A flashlight offers safety, security, and peace of mind.
🪢 Paracord – This simple rope is used for everything from hanging wet clothes to securing belongings.
🦟 Bug Spray – Mosquitoes are relentless in Florida’s rainy season. Bug spray is essential for preventing bites and insect-borne illnesses.
Want to Help?
We’ve updated our Amazon Wish List with many of these items. Every donation—no matter the size—brings comfort, protection, and dignity to someone in need.
Take Action: Host a Summer-Themed Fundraiser!
You don’t need a huge event to make an impact. Here are a few fun and meaningful ways you can get involved right where you are:
☀️ "Beat the Heat" Water Drive – Ask your workplace, school, or friends to donate cases of bottled water
🌂 Rainy Day Relief Kit Collection – Gather ponchos, waterproof folders, and towel tablets for our guests
👒 “Summer Essentials” Donation Table – Set one up at work, your gym, or church with info about what’s needed
💰 Start a “Dime to Change” Drive – This is one of our favorite projects! Just fill an empty water bottle with dimes. When it’s full, that’s $100—enough to help fund our mobile shower operations and directly serve the unhoused community. It’s simple, fun, and impactful!
We know times are hard for everyone—but for someone living on the streets during a South Florida summer, the struggle is daily and often invisible. Let’s show them they’re not forgotten. Let’s come together and make this summer a little more bearable.
Because no one should face the storm alone.
