Where it all began
Let me introduce myself: I’m Jennifer, the new blog writer for Showering Love. I’m writing this in the first person because I was there at the beginning and saw with amazement how one person can make a difference.
Let’s go back to 2016 – June 23rd. That’s the day that Showering Love was born – but before that was the dream – the vision. Back before Jeanne was homeless, when she was doing some volunteer work, she saw a need – and instinctively knew how to fill it. People who have no homes have no place to shower. Years went by and through a series of missteps, she became homeless herself – she became one of the persons she had wanted to help.
Jeanne, then
Jeanne learned from her own experience that a person needs basic hygiene to feel a part of the human race – part of society in general. So, when life brought her back from under the bridge, she knew she had a purpose and the germ of an idea began to formulate in her mind. Then she met Rowdy Gifford – and he gave her hope that her idea of a mobile shower bus was possible. Together, they found the bus – but how to pay for it?
Rowdy Gifford
This is where things get so interesting – Jeanne Lewis Albaugh always knew she had a knack for fundraising – now she put it to the test. So she started with community yard sales. Week after week, people brought their goods to Davie and she sold them – advertising only on Facebook and word of mouth. There was a Halloween event where New River Groves donated their venue for a pumpkin patch - with pony rides, a petting zoo, raffle baskets, and hot dogs – all donated! Later there was Love-a-Palooza with local bands, including Beverly McClellan from the Voice – Jeanne charged $5 and everyone showed up! It was quite a party!
Where did they all come from? People just showed up! This was such a grassroots movement. She did one fundraiser that was a 20-20-20: 20 people each asked 20 people to donate $20 - and they did!! Children brought jars of pennies - it was amazing!
Finally, she had enough to buy the bus – and Rowdy Gifford engineered it to her specifications – it had to be fully self -contained so she could meet the people where they are. It had to be ADA compliant. Jeanne knew people in wheelchairs who couldn’t shower at the shelters – Showering Love had to be always inclusive, never exclusive! And it still is.
It started with a dream, lots of faith, and a tremendous amount of love that caught fire and became what it is today - a company that has provided more than 90,000 showers. One person CAN make a difference - with a lot of help along the way - from volunteers, donors, supporters, partners, and everyday community members who heard about us and spread the word.
Thank you!!
Jeanne now, CEO of Showering Love
