Moira Shire Community Support Officer Alexandra Nealer, YMCLC Chief Executive Julie-Anne Clarke, Moira Shire Manager Marketing Communication and Advocacy Scott Williams, participant Kev and volunteer Leanne Adams-Heather at the Yarrawonga Senior Citizens Hall where the shower program is held.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre (YMCLC) together with the Moira Shire and Yarrawonga Senior Citizens launched the YMCLC Community Shower Program last week.
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The program aims to provide a safe space to have a free hot shower that will be a practical hygiene solution for people who do not have safe, dignified, and supportive access to showers.
The program will run weekly every Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Yarrawonga Senior Citizens Centre with a separate entrance to the showers from the side door.
This is a free service offering practical support, in a friendly and welcoming environment, to community members who are sleeping rough or experiencing other forms of homelessness.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre Executive Officer Julie-Anne Clarke said she is proud that Yarrawonga can offer this service to those in need.
“This has been a long time coming and in the pipeline for a while but we are very pleased to be able to offer this space for those who may need to use it,” Ms Clarke said.
“People can just turn up on the day, there is no registration or anything and there will always be a volunteer here that can provide the participant with a care package and any further assistance they may need.
“It is just a safe, dignified space for those who may otherwise struggle to find showering services to come and have a wash.
“We have also opened it up to people who have suffered with the floods.
“Federation Council have donated the cleaning products and towels. We don’t have it just yet but Rotary is donating a washing machine and dryer so participants can also clean their dirty clothes after washing.
“Moira Shire is fitting out the area for the washing machine and dryer and have been in collaboration with us to provide this service.
“We have been very grateful to several individuals and organisations who have generously donated funds or resources to assist YMCLC in the establishment of the essential community program.”
As the shower program is run from the bathroom of the Senior Citizens Hall facilities, Senior Citizens President Denise Dowell said members are happy to assist in this fantastic program.
“We are happy to help. We are willing to volunteer and assist the participants with anything they may need that we are able to assist with,” Mrs Dowell said.
Ms Clarke with Senior Citizens President Denise Dowell and Secretary Dorothy Williams standing in the entry way to the Community shower and bathroom facilities which will be open each Friday from 11.30am – 2.30pm.
As well as being able to have a hot shower, the service will provide each person with a toiletry pack, hygiene products, towels and support referral for those who need further assistance.
Currently the program is committed to running for a three year period to assess its success.
As the Lead Agency, YMCLC are pleased to be providing the program by financing the utilities, maintenance, cleaning and PPE cost involved.
Recently, on the day of opening, Kev attended for a shower and said: “It was a lovely warm shower and didn’t take too long to heat up. It was great, thank you for this.”
Towels and toiletry/ hygiene packs will be provided for those using the shower service.
Each session will be manned by two volunteers and YMCLC encourage anyone who would like to volunteer or make a donation to support the program to get in contact with YMCLC on 5744 3911.
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