Overflow 9:12 provides free showers to Coachella Valley unhoused
When Jackie Kouri and Gary Paxton decided to reside full time in what had been their vacation home in Rancho Mirage, it did not take long before restlessness set in. Energized by their love of life and their deep faith, they took a look at the growing population of unhoused individuals here in the valley and gave serious thought to how they could help.
Their answer was to provide a hot shower and clean clothes.
Paxton and Kouri shared the story of a young man they met, "Jason." His tale was one of selflessness: His father was stricken with cancer, and Jason had given up his job for several years to look after him. By the time his father died, the mountain of medical bills and depletion of savings led to Jason losing the family home. While his goal was to one day return to the workforce and have a place to call his own, in the meantime, he needed a shower.
Overflow 9:12 was born, which, according to Paxton, relates to a Bible passage in 2 Corinthians 9:12 that references giving generously to others and causing thankfulness to overflow.
Designed to be mobile, the organization's shower unit contains two private stalls, each with its own entrance, sink, mirror, standup shower and air conditioning. With 15 minutes of hot water available to each person in a three-hour period, they can offer showers to at least 20 individuals — and even more when external power and water sources are available.
The shower units are set up at different locations throughout the valley, including at Ramona Tire in Palm Desert, Our Lady of Guadalupe church in Palm Springs, the Desert Hot Springs Hub and Spirit Filled Church and Abundant Life Church, both in Indio.
Guests are given a new towel and all the necessary hygiene products for their ablutions. Afterwards they can choose from a variety of grooming items and basic clothing, including new and gently used T-shirts of all sizes, socks, sandals and undergarments. They are also given a care package of water and snacks and a towel to take with them.
As often as possible, partners — many of whom are already providing vital health services — will also be on site to offer hot takeaway meals and medical services. In addition, Claudia Aranda from Beauty Essential Wellness in Palm Desert donates her time to offer complimentary haircuts for both men and women.
Guests with dogs are allowed to take them in the shower.
In the last 12 months, Kouri, Paxton and volunteers have offered 81 shower service outings in five different locations, seven times a month, totaling 980 showers. They have also provided approximately 1,100 to-go hygiene kits and more than 3,500 items of clothing. Their hope is to expand the operation with the help of volunteers and donations by purchasing even more mobile units to help those in need.
Both are hands-on with the operation, offering support to guests, sterilizing the showers and reaching out to organizations such as the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, The Bridges 2 Hope and the Cal State San Bernadino Nursing Street Medicine Program to meet other critical medical and case management needs of their shower guests.
Overflow 9:12 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is supported through the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, foundations and churches. To learn more, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit overflowshowers.org.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman's weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Overflow 9:12 provides free showers to Coachella Valley unhoused
