To improve the quality of life for homeless individuals by providing them with showers near encampments throughout the community.
The Story of the Feet-N-More Shower Ministry:
It began with a need and a desire to help. In mid-2019, as The Church of the Palms’ members planned for hosting the homeless at the church as part of the NW Valley I-HELP program, we realized personal hygiene as a big need of our guests.
Cleanliness is a basic right of everyone; everyone deserves to feel their best. Being clean and feeling good about yourself is vital to a job interview, a key to getting out of homelessness. Poor hygiene is also a significant cause of health problems in people who experience homelessness. Cleanliness involves everything from clean clothes to toothpaste and, especially, a shower.
The Trustees at The Church of the Palms hit the wall, pun intended, when we sought a place to build a shower within our facility. We knew that the majority of I-HELP host churches would not have showers, either.
Two things came together at this time that were more than just coincidence: a vision on the part of those ministering to the homeless to provide a shower trailer and a bequest given to the church designated for social ministries. The Board of Missions and Outreach was to be the steward of the bequest, making sure it was spent as designated. A presentation was made to the Board of Mission and Outreach before the pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt. On Aug 10, 2019, the M&O Board met and approved a $45,000 line of credit to purchase a shower trailer; the Church Council affirmed this action on Aug 15. Three bids from three different manufacturers were discussed by a leadership committee, and an order to purchase was made on Aug 17, 2019.
The shower trailer has three private compartments, each containing a 32-inch-by-32-inch shower, a lavatory and a bench. The trailer is air conditioned and has an on demand, liquid-propane water heater. A gasoline generator will provide the electricity, a water hose will provide the water, and a 300-gallon holding tank will contain the gray water from the showers. The trailer can provide 12 showers per hour.
In addition to servicing I-HELP host churches without showers, we made a plan to contract with communities in the NW Valley to provide showers to the homeless. We began with the city of Surprise and soon expanded to others as time and volunteers allow.
A seven-member shower trailer committee met weekly to establish protocols for use of the trailer, decided on the “wrapping” for the trailer, picked a name for the shower ministry, and much more. The name comes from the Biblical story of Jesus taking on the role of a servant and washing the disciples’ feet. Therefore, by offering showers to those in need, The Church of the Palms is following the pattern of the service of Jesus.
In partnership with city governments, churches and non-profit service providers, we provide showers that preserve human dignity, contribute to health and prepares individuals for employment. We are currently working with the City of Surprise, the Salvation Army and are in communication with other cities in the NW Valley.
“FEET-N-MORE” focuses on offering showers, but we are always inviting other service providers to be present with us when we are serving the homeless. We hope to provide medical and dental services on occasion and to distribute food and clothes on an emergency basis. We also invite social service agencies that are focused on helping the homeless to be present. The services offered are only limited by our imagination.
We dedicated the shower trailer for ministry and commissioned our volunteers on Sunday, January 3rd, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. The service was held in the parking lot with the shower trailer in the background.
Volunteers to work with the shower trailer are always welcome. We will need three to four volunteers for 4-6 hours each time the trailer goes out, with a variety of jobs needed. Training for your job is provided. Contact the church office (623.977.8359) or Max Klinkenborg (816.377.4618) if you are interested.
The Feet-N-More Shower Trailer Ministry is a prime example of the church being the church – it goes out to where the people are. Thus, it is The Palms being the palms of Jesus…the church being the church!
For more information, please email feetnmore@thepalms.org
Children First Leadership Academy
As a part of our ministry to the homeless, The Church of the aplms contributes annually to Children First Leadership Academy.
Children First Leadership Academy (CFLA) formerly known as Children First Academy Phoenix and Thomas J. Pappas School is located in the renovated Food City at 16th Street and Mohave in Phoenix, Arizona. CFLA is operated by Edkey, Inc., an Arizona 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
CFLA exists to help each student succeed. Our talented leadership and staff inspire students to be respectful individuals, responsible citizens, and critical thinkers. CFLA serves the whole child by providing hope, fostering strength, facilitating self-determination, and developing leadership qualities. For more information: Charter School Phoenix – About CFLA – CFLA Charter school Phoenix
If you wish to find out more about The Church of The Palms Homeless Ministry, contact Nancy Mueller at Socialjustice@thepalms.org
HART Pantry
The Church of the Palms has a long-sanding relationship with HART Panty (Helping At Risk Teens) which is an all-volunteer non-profit organization established in 2013 in Peoria, Arizona, originally began as a church mission within the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria. Over the years, it has evolved into an independent 501(c)3 corporation, steered by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors comprising the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Director. HART Pantry beats with the dedication of over 55 volunteers, who collectively contributed over 8,000 volunteer hours in 2021. Committed to keeping administrative costs to a minimum, no salaries are disbursed within our organization.
HART Pantry’s mission is to provide support and encourage At-Risk Teens to finish high school and increase self-esteem.
At HART Pantry, our primary goal is to extend a helping hand to local At-Risk Teens in the West Valley who struggle with food insecurity. We collaborate closely with school and community counselors, aiming to deliver essential care to eligible At-Risk Teens in need. About HART Pantry – Non-Profit Organization
If you wish to find out more about The Church of The Palms Homeless Ministry, contact Nancy Mueller at Socialjustice@thepalms.org