(Photo: Courtesy Gracebound)
FRESNO, CA – Mayor Jerry Dyer is happy to announce that the City of Fresno is expanding its mobile shower services for our unhoused residents.
Starting Tuesday, August 15, 2023, a second mobile shower unit is now active and providing the unhoused community with free showers and restroom services. The shower units are funded by the City of Fresno and operated by GraceBound, Inc.
The City has provided over 3,000 showers to unhoused residents in the past year, and adding a second shower unit will enable the City to double that service.
With the addition of the second shower unit, the City will also be servicing two new locations: Blackstone and Hedges in District 1, and Dakota and Pierce in District 4. Future shower sites are planned in District 2 and District 5.
“By providing these mobile shower units, in addition to the mobile health clinic we funded where unhoused residents receive health services from UCSF, we are restoring people’s lives and providing hope for people who need it,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “That being said – there is still much work to be done to help our most vulnerable population, and we will continue working to ensure that they are served.”
“We are committed to enhancing the well-being and dignity of every member of our community,” said Council Vice President Annalisa Perea. “As we continue our efforts to address homelessness in Fresno, we are proud to announce the expansion of mobile shower services for our unhoused residents. The expansion of the services not only offers a basic necessity but also reflects our dedication to fostering compassion and inclusivity within our city. By providing access to hygiene facilities, we aim to empower individuals to regain their sense of self-worth and take steps towards a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference and create a more compassionate and supportive Fresno for all.”
“We have made significant progress in reducing the homeless population within the City of Fresno, but the number continues to rise in the County,” said Councilmember Miguel Arias. “We have done our part, it is time for the County of Fresno to do their part, as the City is quickly running out of resources.”
In addition to the expansion of the mobile shower program, the City of Fresno also saw success with “Project Off-Ramp Phase 2,” which sheltered 391 people in 100 days (exceeding the goal of 350 people in that same time period).
During those 100 days, 362 people experienced a safe exit from homelessness and into permanent housing.
In this year’s Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care Point In Time count, Fresno was the only jurisdiction that saw a decrease in overall homelessness, and one of very few large cities to see a decrease statewide. Fresno saw a 5.6% decrease in overall homelessness in the city.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
