Safe Horizon: StreetWork's Harlem Center - Showers and Laundry Area

Streetwork’s Harlem Center

Shower and Laundry Area

Watch Hector show off the new space.
A hot shower is not something most homeless people take for granted, no matter how young they are, so the showers at our Streetwork drop-in center are in great demand.

Coordinator Hector Baez keeps the whole operation running smoothly.

“First, we provide them with the supplies to take showers -- deodorant, shaving cream, razors, toothbrush, mouthwash -- the whole works.”

“A lot of times kids are out on the street, wearing the same clothes for five days in a row,” Hector says. “We provide them with pants, shoes, coats, shirts, anything that they need to change into a new fresh outfit.”

As he speaks, Hector opens several cabinets full of toiletries and a huge clothes closet. None of these areas are filled to capacity, and Hector points out how his supplies often tend to dwindle. Streetwork accepts in-kind donations of new clothing and toiletries to help meet the demand.

“Basically, we provide a respite for our clients to come in and spend some time away from the streets. We try to e ncourage them to leave their street problems outside if possible,” says Hector, who has worked at Streetwork for over 17 years.

“They can come in with their problems and talk to us, but with every other entanglement, we tell them ‘Just forget it for now, come in here, just rest for awhile, relax. Let us be your family now and take care of you.’”

Help keep these vital supplies in stock.

Make a donation of money or new clothes and toiletries today.