Mobile shower facility will lead the way for 'caravan of love' serving Akron area's needy
Robert Ford was distributing food in Akron when an idea dawned on him about a way to further help the people he was assisting.
Ford, founder of the nonprofit Forever R Children, lamented that he had no way to meet another basic need; many of the people he serves have no place to shower.
"Suddenly, I just happened to say, 'man, what if I had an RV or something bigger,' and that's when I reached out to Metro (RTA)," Ford said.
Not only has Metro gotten on board with the idea of the shower bus, which it donated in April, but the city of Akron and other community organizations have partnered with Ford as well to help bring what he calls "a caravan of love" to the area's neediest residents.
Once Kamper City in Peninsula finishes retrofitting the 45-foot vehicle, the bus will provide 30 to 35 seven-minute showers per five-hour shift. It will be staffed by three people and supported by three to six volunteers. Chris Lehman, Kamper City's service foreman, said he's aiming to complete the renovations by mid-January. So far, the walls are mocked up, a floor is installed and the rear shower stall is nearly complete.
Metro CEO Dawn Distler said the transit authority also has committed to providing mechanic service for the bus.
Chris Ludle, Akron's public service director, said the city is providing in-kind services, including water and sewer use.
Ward 4 Councilman Russ Neal is pushing the city to deepen its commitment with direct financial support. He authored a resolution passed by the council that urges the city to allocate $100,000 to the project. That amount would close a $68,000 funding gap and give the organization a cushion to begin operating the bus.
"We’ve been trying to find nonconventional ways to reach our houseless population, especially those who do not feel comfortable with the traditional services that are available," Neal said. "Here, this is a great example of collaboration on all levels."
Neal pointed out three potential funding sources that City Council could consider for the project:
Money written off every year from the water fund that goes to the county, roughly $800,000 of which is returned to the city.
Federal COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Money from the Community Development Block Grant fund in the capital budget.
The nonprofit also is looking to other sources of community support. Lori Porter of Love Akron, who recently joined Forever R Children as a contracted advisor, said she hopes the group can raise $200,000 by the end of 2023 — enough to pay for the retrofit and run the bus through June 2024. The organization is hosting a Nov. 17 gala fundraiser.
Once he secured the bus, Ford began coordinating with other local partners to extending help as part of the caravan.
AxessPointe Community Health Centers offered to provide mental and dental health care, The Salvation Army said it would provide hot food and Gino's Pizza on Copley Road is ready to give out pizzas. Two barbers have even agreed to come along.
Ford said he's determined to help because of his own experiences with homelessness.
"I feel what these guys are feeling out there," Ford said. "I was that person 35 years ago who was in that same position. I'm fighting for them because that person was me."
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron nonprofit, community partners creating mobile shower facility
