The Sunnyside Shower Project
I’m excited to share about one of the absolute highlights of my week—visiting the Sunnyside Shower Project (SSP). Lindsay Sant and Hannah Wallace gave me a wonderful tour of the space and reminded me of the incredible story behind this community-rooted effort.
SSP began back in early 2021, when journalist and neighbor Hannah Wallace and other members of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association started walking through local encampments—not with assumptions, but with questions. They started asking, “What do you need most right now?” And the answer was clear: access to hot showers, laundry, and clean clothes.
That simple but powerful act of LISTENING truly sparked a movement. Hannah connected with the church community at the Sunnyside Methodist Church building (right across the street from my beloved Sunnyside Environmental School), and from there the Sunnyside Shower Project began. What started as a humble, volunteer-led offering has now grown into a structured, deeply compassionate program running multiple days a week. Since January, thanks to a grant from Oregon Community Foundation, the project has been able to bring on Lindsay as a paid staff member!
SSP is a place where people come not just to get clean, but to feel seen, respected, and cared for. You can feel that energy as soon as you enter the space. As Lindsay told me, many of the guests grew up in this very neighborhood—some went to school or daycare as kids in the building, attended church here, grew up just down the block. The Shower Project isn’t just a service, it’s a safe and familiar space, full of memories and connection.
I was also reminded during my visit that there are so many ways to support. For example, I learned about an acupuncturist who volunteers his time on Thursdays to offer free auricular treatments to guests. Whether you have time, resources, or a special skill, there's room for you to be part of this work!
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Follow the Sunnyside Shower Project on Instagram to stay in the loop and help spread the word. This is where you’ll find the most up to date info about what items are in demand and ways to help out
- Donations are welcome! Lindsay said that some current priorities are: shelf-stable snacks, instant coffee, shoes, and clean gender neutral, casual clothing (large sizes are always needed!)
- SSP also has an Amazon wishlist!
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Volunteer your time—there are many roles to fill from picking up supplies from the Joint Office of Homeless Services and dropping them off at the church to helping check guests in and a quick cleaning of showers between uses or or lending a hand sorting donations. There is also a grant-writing committee so if you know about any grants that would be perfect for the SSP or if you have grant-writing experience, reach out to Lindsay at sunnysideshowerproject.com
- Reach out directly if you have questions, ideas, or just want to learn more
You can learn more at sunnysideshowerproject.org, and I also recommend reading this excellent OPB article about their expansion and impact.
In a time when we often hear about what’s not working, the Sunnyside Shower Project is a beautiful reminder of what radical neighborliness looks like—people listening, caring, and building something transformative together. I feel so proud that my own neighborhood association and community are deeply committed to this project! Please consider getting involved and sharing with others about this project. We’re in it together!
Vision Zero Resolution Heads to Full Council
After passing unanimously out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in May, our resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to Vision Zero heads to full council next week! Sign-up to testify or submit written support. I am excited to get the work of actionable accountability started, and revitalize our charge to end traffic violence our City of Roses.
*NEW TIME* Constituent Coffee at Sunnyside Environmental School Park
There has been a slight time change for my upcoming constituent coffee!
Join us for our monthly constituent coffee on Saturday, July 19. It will be the THIRD Saturday of the month this time. It will be at the Sunnyside Environmental School Park from 9:00-10:00 am near the playground (so kiddos can play!) and not too far from the grassy area (so pups can have fun!). We will bring coffee for all. Come share your thoughts and questions about our district! RSVP here: Constituent Coffee 7/19 - Google Forms
Maxine Dexter Town Hall
On Saturday, July 19, Representative Maxine Dexter will be holding a town hall at Franklin High School at 11am. This will be a great opportunity to address federal concerns! Get more information here: Events | Representative Maxine Dexter
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