New Centacare ‘Dignity Van’ to give Geraldton rough sleepers easy access to a shower and clean clothes

Most people take a shower and the ability to wash our clothes for granted, not thinking those basics are considered luxuries for the homeless.

But now a new service is aiming to give those facing homelessness back a bit of dignity.

Local charity Centacare is bringing a shower, washing machines and dryers to rough sleepers through a new vehicle it has acquired.

Centacare Family Services has announced the arrival of its “Dignity Van”, fitted with a shower, two washing machines, and two clothes dryers.

With the van, Centacare will be able to drive to areas frequented by rough sleepers, where they will be able to get a wash and a chance to clean their clothes.

The van is fully self-sufficient, Centacare says, with an onboard generator and both fresh and grey water storage tanks and will be staffed by trained team members and volunteers.

While meeting people face-to-face to offer the services, staff will also be able assist people with their hygiene needs, provide toiletries, and help get them connected to other support services.

Centacare CEO David Power said while the van would not end homelessness in Geraldton, basic necessities such as a shower and clean clothes could be very important for those going without.

“We know that the key to ending homelessness is affordable and available housing, and that is the ultimate goal of our service, however we also know that housing availability in Geraldton at present is very limited,” he said.

“The arrival of the Dignity Van gives us the opportunity to provide a basic level of hygiene and dignity to those who have no choice but to be sleeping rough.”