After a long, hot and humid day, a refreshing shower can be a satisfying reset. But for many of Atlanta’s homeless, access to one is rare.
Aware of this issue and eager to find a solution, Stone Mountain resident Nicky Crawford established Flowing with Blessings in February 2022.
According to their website’s mission, the nonprofit organization intends to offer much-needed sanitation and dignity to the unhoused community in the Atlanta area through the mobile Shower Project.
“We try to do the best that we can to make their lives a little bit better out here on their street,” said Crawford.
Every Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm, Crawford sets up his three-set trailer outside of Grady Memorial Hospital, each equipped with a sink, toilet and shower.
“I feel blessed … I feel better,” said Wanda Sutton while exiting one of the units.
Sutton, who has been homeless for nearly a year while battling various health issues, says that the contributions of “Blessings” have significantly impacted her life.
“It makes you feel good knowing that your body is clean,” she said. “As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Volunteers disinfect after each use and provide clean clothes, snacks and water. Since its founding last year, the nonprofit has provided over 3,000 free showers to those in need.
For he and his team, Crawford explains, the opportunity to give back to the community is more than just providing a service.
“The blessings that I get is seeing these people being able to take a shower … clean clothes and have a sense of dignity for today.”
