RENEW, RESTORE and REFRESH Shower and Laundry Facility Project

St. Vincent de Paul, Uniontown Conference

Description of the proposed space and the work to be completed as a part of the project.

The proposed public shower facility would be in a building located on the campus of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Uniontown Conference located at 70 North Mount Vernon Avenue in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The building is known as the Samaritan’s Well. Samaritan’s Well is a large structure that currently houses the SVdP Emergency Food Pantry. Client Resource Room, Electronics and Recycling Center, Online Sales Office, community room and a small chapel. Space has been allocated in Samaritan’s Well near the front of the building where we propose to construct two private shower rooms, a welcome/waiting area and a laundry/storage room. Each ADA-compliant shower room would also include a toilet, sink, bench, dressing area and phone charging station. Personal hygiene items and towels would be available from a volunteer attendant. The showers would be utilized by appointment only and cleaned and sanitized after each use. Infrastructure (i.e. plumbing and water lines) already exists as there is currently a restroom in the proposed area.

The importance of the project and how it will make a long-term difference in the community.

The need for accessible shower facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in our community continues to grow. In response, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Uniontown has launched a capital campaign dedicated to creating a safe, dignified space where individuals can access basic hygiene services. The project that we are nominating will be a public shower facility known as RENEW, RESTORE, and REFRESH. To date, St. Vincent de Paul Uniontown Conference has committed $20,000 toward this important initiative, demonstrating our deep commitment to serving those most vulnerable among us. We are now seeking corporate partners who share our vision of restoring dignity and promoting wellness within our community. St. Vincent de Paul, Uniontown Conference, is a nonprofit that works tirelessly to fulfill its mission of, “providing help and hope to those in need”. Daily, the Society extends direct aid to the most vulnerable in Uniontown (Fayette County) and beyond. Direct aid includes, but is not limited to, food, clothing, houseware items, furniture, utility assistance, home heating oil and much, much more. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide shelter assistance. However, other than shelter, there is NO need that the Society will not consider. The shower facility would be one more way to HELP provide direct aid by offering a service that is not found anywhere in Fayette County. Without a doubt, the shower facility will also offer HOPE in the form of “RENEWed dignity, RESTOREd confidence, and REFRESHed self-esteem” … all steps towards a brighter future of stability and independence.

The inspiration behind this project and why it is important.

The inspiration behind this project comes from a question that was asked me (Director of Operations) during a SVdP Uniontown Area Conference Board of Directors meeting. As the Director of Operations, I was asked by the President, “What is the greatest need of SVdP direct-aid client?”. Without hesitation, I responded, “A shower!”. I explained that when homeless clients request new clothing they frequently ask, “Where can I get a shower?”. Unfortunately, there is currently no facility to meet that basic human need! I suggest local fitness centers as I am not aware of a public shower facility in Uniontown or surrounding area. It is especially difficult when the request is regarding an upcoming job interview. Before me (Director of Operations) sits a valuable member of the community that is trying to better themselves and I (SVdP) am limited in giving them the best opportunity to do just that. RENEWed dignity, RESTOREd confidence, and REFRESHed self-esteem from a long hot shower and clean clothing, along God’s blessing and support from caring people with kind hearts, can’t hurt.  Everyone deserves a fresh start!

Conclusion.

SVdP would be honored to partner with the community in making our vision to “Renew, Restore, and Refresh” a reality for individuals who are less fortunate. Any support would directly impact the health and well-being of many community members and bring this project to completion. Thank you for thoughtful consideration and support of our local community.

Respectfully in the service of providing help and hope to those in need,

Maria Fetock
Director of Operations
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