By Brendan Rees
A mobile shower charity truck providing free showers to the disadvantaged and people experiencing homelessness in the south east has had an upgrade.
After working out of a trailer, Clean as Casper founder Steve Winterton said getting their truck on the road was a “huge relief” after winning a $20,149 in the State Government’s Pick My Project initiative.
“It’s quadrupled the amount of people using our shower already,” he said.
He said the truck was purchased two years ago but they didn’t have the funds to fit it out.
“It’s really saved us … the name will get out there and people can help us more.”
The truck now has one shower, a washing machine and dryer.
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said project such as the mobile shower for the homeless displayed “the power of community engagement as we seek to help those in our area who need it most,” adding it would “offer more privacy, more locations, and greater support.”
Mr Winterton said it wasn’t just about people having a shower but also gathering for a friendly chat.
They currently services Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Dandenong, Chelsea, and Frankston.
“It’s really good, the more people hear about it – the more they’re coming in and using it,” Mr Winterton added.
In 2018, the Pick My Project initiative saw the southern metropolitan region received more than $3.64 million in funding, with over 37,000 votes being cast for local projects.
