Bathhouse Gets a New Truck!


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Bringing dignity to the homeless.



One shower at a time.



God's Bathhouse of Volusia County is a non-profit, non-partisan enterprise. Our mission is to provide a safe, secure environment for needy individuals to maintain good hygiene, promote basic clothing needs, help them to remain healthy, and implement the Gospel of Jesus Christ by working with our economically disadvantaged neighbors.





New Truck Joins Fleet



The Bathhouse has purchased a new truck to replace the second shower truck destroyed by fire in November. The new truck is a 2016 model and in good condition. It is fully drivable, and renovations will begin immediately to overhaul the interior for bathroom and shower facilities.


Elgia and Elizabeth are grateful for the insurance settlement for the previous vehicle, which was declared a total loss, and for the many donations from our supporters that are making it possible to "rise from the ashes"!



On the Road Again!



Our shower truck returned to service on Jan 9 after successfully completing its check-up and servicing. The Bathhouse is now operating on its normal schedule.


Special thanks to our longtime patron Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach -- and to Regis Sloan of their Human Service Ministry -- who generously covered the maintenance costs. We couldn't do it without you!





Why I Love You Guys



Maria, one of the first guests to join us on Jan 9, welcomed us back with this heartfelt note of thanks.


She beautifully expresses her appreciation for the clean clothes and shoes she receives at the Bathhouse, the caring concern of our volunteers, and most of all, for the hot showers:


"The hot water feels so good!"


Thank you, Maria!





Truck Catches Fire



The second shower truck was damaged by an engine fire on November 30. The fire ignited as Elgia drove back from First Presbyterian Church in DeLand. He saw smoke and jumped out safely. There were no other passengers and no injuries.


The loss of this truck, which required so much time and effort to retrofit, and which served so many, is devastating to the Bathhouse family. Please keep the Bathhouse in your prayers at this difficult time.





Let us approach a true heart in full assurance for faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.



Hebrews 10:22



Annual Dinner Highlights



Bathhouse donors and volunteers gathered at the Annual Dinner & Fundraiser on November 23. Everyone enjoyed the great company, good food, and a special evening of remembrance, prayer, music and dance.



Bathhouse in the News



The Daytona Times ran a full-length feature story on March 21 describing the work that God's Bathhouse does to assist homeless residents of Volusia County. Several of our guests were interviewed for the story and had an opportunity to share their experiences.


The story was contributed by Jasmine Hall, a communications major at Bethune-Cookman University. Jasmine was one of three students from B-CU who visited the Bathhouse on site last month (see below).




Click here to read the full story



UU Church Donations



The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach collected bags of new clothing and supplies, including sweatpants, socks and underwear, over the holidays. Thanks to their generosity, we handed out special gift bags to our guests.



BCU Student Visit



Students from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona visited us on location in February. They learned about the community services we provide and will help spread the word.


Pictured at Left: Jasmine Hill, Bryan Linnen, Tristan Ferguson


Go Cats!





Many Hands Make Light Work



DaVita Labs Helps Organize Our Storage



More than a dozen volunteers from DaVita Labs in DeLand generously gave their time to sort, stack and fold the many clothing donations The Bathhouse receives.



Keeping up with our clothing and supplies is a never-ending task and we're truly grateful for their assistance!.



We are a volunteer organization and rely on your generous support.


Learn how you can help ...

Wash ... Dry ... Repeat



God's Bathhouse at Work



Arrive



Drive to our location and unpack. Our trucks have two shower/bathroom facilities, each fully privatized, one accessed from the front of the truck and the other from the rear.



Shelter



Raise a canopy for our guests to shelter from the sun and rain while they wait for an open shower. Lay out tables of clothing, bedding, and supplies.



Serve



Give guests a towel and toiletries when they're ready to shower. Help anyone who needs a change of clothes, underwear or socks to find the right size.



Support



Spend time with our guests and get to know them as individuals. Seek to understand the daily challenges they face, share life stories, and offer encouragement.



Clean



Sanitize the shower stalls after use. Ensure that everyone who uses them is welcomed to a clean, safe environment where they can attend to their personal hygiene.



Share



Give with an open heart and a generous spirit. Provide assurance to those who need us that God's Bathhouse will be there for them each week.



Have a question about our services?


Contact Us



A 503(c)3 Charitable Organization • Volusia County, Florida