Mobile Hygiene Trailer For Homeless Opening In Morris County

Morristown NJ

18 March, 2022

2:14 PM

Description

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — Local nonprofit POWER CHANGES LIVES INC will soon deploy New Jersey's first mobile trailer for hygiene, showers and medical services, according to the organization. LavaLove will assist people who are homeless and other "neighbors in need," according to POWER. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for LavaLove will take place at 2 p.m. March 26 at the Morris Plains Community Center (51 Jim Fear Dr.). RSVP here. The 29-foot, three-unit trailer features showers, sinks, toilets, a washing machine and dryer, an ancillary services room (medical, dental, optometry and mental-health screenings) and a barber/grooming room. LavaLove will serve communities in need three days per week and provide more than 8,000 showers per year, according to POWER. Take a look inside: "After a year of training, consultation and mentoring, we have leaped and said yes to the calling that so many have been waiting for," POWER CEO Penelope Lopez said in a statement. "There is a real need for the services that LavaLove® will provide to the homeless and our neighbors in need. Whether you see the homeless or not, they still exist and need us, LavaLove® is here." LavaLove still seeks a "forever home." Organizers are meeting with several county and local-government officials, as well as community partners to determine where it can become most impactful. From these discussions, LavaLove will determine a schedule, which will become available on its website, Lopez says. Until it finds a more permanent home, LavaLove will take advantage of its mobility and go place-to-place as needed and as requested by the community. Event Information The ribbon-cutting ceremony runs from 2-6 p.m. March 26 at the Morris Plains Community Center (51 Jim Fear Dr.). The event will include a guided tour of the trailer, dedication to Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr and a sit-down dinner. The event is open to the public, but attendees must RSVP. At the event, POWER will give special recognition to its volunteers. LavaLove will also travel to Trenton on April 30, Atlantic City on May 28 and Newark on July 16 (see upcoming events here). There's an "urgent" need for volunteers at LavaLove events. Anyone interested in participating as a general volunteer or medical-services provider should visit here. Donate to LavaLove here. POWER (People Organized Working Evolving Reaching) assists low-income, minority and underserved communities in efforts to create sustainable futures and eliminate disparities in aging, education, family wellness, food insecurity, homelessness, housing, social justice and reform. Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email [email protected]. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter.