The True Cost of a Shower: Breaking Down What It Takes to Serve Our Community
What Does a Shower Really Cost? The True Price of Dignity
At Showering Love, we believe that access to hygiene is a basic human right. A warm shower can restore dignity, confidence, and hope. But have you ever wondered what it really takes to provide mobile showers for our community? Let’s break down the true cost of a shower—and how you can help keep this vital service running.
🚍 What Goes Into a Mobile Shower?
Our two mobile shower buses are fully self-contained, meaning they don’t need to hook up to external water or power sources. Each bus is equipped with clean, private shower stalls, washing and drying machines for clothing, fresh towels, hygiene products, and even a spritz of cologne or perfume to help our guests feel refreshed, clean, and dignified.
Every guest receives:
✔️ A 10-minute private shower
✔️ A new pair of socks, underwear, and a t-shirt
✔️ Access to hygiene essentials like soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine care products
✔️ A clean towel and washcloth
✔️ A freshly prepared lunch
✔️ A safe, welcoming space with compassion and respect
Behind the scenes, however, keeping this service going takes a lot of time, effort, and resources.
The Cost of Keeping Our Buses Rolling
Providing mobile showers isn’t as simple as turning on the water. Here's a closer look at what one day of service really costs:
$1,350 per day – That’s the full cost to operate just one of our mobile shower buses.
Right now, our buses roll out 4 times a week, but we’re working hard to increase that to 6 days a week to meet growing community needs.
At $1,350 per day, 4–6 days a week, the annual cost to operate the buses adds up quickly—and the bus bill becomes a major investment in human dignity, health, and hope.
Of the daily cost, $200 is set aside for essential maintenance and repair savings to keep our buses reliable and road-ready.
Other key expenses:
Water & Sanitation: Each guest uses about 7–10 gallons of water per shower—multiplied by up to 50 showers per day. Plus, every bathroom is thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Maintenance & Repairs: Our buses log hundreds of miles each week. Repairs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Last year alone, it cost us $76,000 in bus repairs and maintenance. Every single dollar was an investment in health, dignity, and hope.
Supplies & Clothing: Thanks to partners like Bombas, we’re able to distribute thousands of socks, undergarments, and t-shirts. But replenishing essentials is a constant need.
Partnerships Keep Us Going
We wouldn’t be able to provide showers without the incredible support of our community partners, including:
Bombas for donating thousands of socks, undergarments, and t-shirts
Local organizations & nonprofits that help us reach people in need
Volunteers who show up to distribute supplies, offer support, and spread kindness
How You Can Help
You have the power to make a difference.
Sponsor a Shower Day: Sponsor a Shower Day: Cover the $1,350 it takes to run a full day of mobile showers. When you sponsor a day, we’ll do something special in your honor—or in honor of a loved one—such as featuring a dedication on our social media or on-site signage to celebrate your impact.
Donate Hygiene Kits: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene items are always needed. You can ship supplies directly to us through our Amazon Wishlist.
Make a Financial Donation: Every dollar counts
Volunteer With Us: Be part of the hands and hearts behind our mission
Host Our Shower Bus at Your Event: Are you part of an organization or planning an outreach event? You can rent our mobile shower bus to bring dignity and hygiene directly to the people you serve. It’s a powerful way to enhance your impact and care for your community.
Email us at contact@showeringlove.org for more details and availability.
Every shower we provide is a step toward dignity, self-care, and hope.
Will you help us continue our mission?
➡️ Donate Now or Sign Up to Volunteer!
