Earlier this week, we heard that Adelaide’s only mobile shower truck, operated by Puddle Jumpers, was at risk of being moved to Victoria unless the charity could raise $10,000 by the end of November. In a spectacular showing from the community, the funds have already been raised. But with the service in soaring demand, every further contribution will be essential to offer mobile showers over the holiday season.
The truck, essential for providing hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness in South Australia, was at risk of being relocated if the necessary funds to cover operating costs were not secured.
Puddle Jumpers, associated with the organisation One Voice, has been managing the mobile shower truck to offer crucial support to Adelaide’s most vulnerable populations. This service has been pivotal in offering not just cleanliness but also dignity and hope to many. Recently, due to escalating costs related to services, insurance, and registration, One Voice had to shift the $10,000 operational charge to the local operator of the truck. The organisation faced a looming deadline to gather these funds, lest they lose this vital resource to another charity in Victoria prepared to cover the costs. Thankfully, the community has done their bit to keep this wonderful service alive.
Melanie Tate, CEO and Founder of Puddle Jumpers, spoke about the critical nature of this service to the community. “Too many people in Adelaide rely on the shower truck as a basic lifeline,” Tate said. “We’re facing a tight deadline, and the loss of this service would be a tremendous blow to our community. We’re calling on Adelaide residents, businesses, and organisations to help us keep it here where it’s needed most.” The message is no less relevant now the $10,000 has been raised.
“All of the ongoing costs like the fuel and the gas bottles that run the hot water service, toiletries and undies, all of that stuff is stuff we have to cover ourselves. Any additional funds that come in over that $10,000 will be a great help for us,” Tate says.
The demand is huge, Puddle Jumpers want to be able to meet as much of it as possible over this busy season. To strengthen their fundraising efforts and engage the community directly, Puddle Jumpers is organising an event at the Western Food Hub. The mobile shower truck will be on-site this Friday evening, in conjunction with Orange Sky Laundry, for the public to learn more about the service it provides.
Tate says, “At the moment the van only goes out two to three times per week, but obviously with more funds we will be able to make sure it goes out to more sites, during more times of the week.” The charity is hoping to partner with further charities to make sure it has the resources to visit more locations.
New donations may also go towards opening the truck on Christmas day. Tate says, “some of our beautiful volunteers have talked about providing a proper roast Christmas lunch for people who need it. We just thought, how nice will it be to be able to say, ‘and you can also have a hot shower’?”
“It’s such a thing that we all take for granted,” Tate says. “And if you don’t normally have access to a hot shower, that would feel like Christmas.”
Puddle Jumpers has expressed a committed effort to serve those in need throughout South Australia, focusing particularly on aiding children and families. The mobile shower truck is a critical part of their mission, providing not just practical support in the form of hygiene but also uplifting the spirits of many who struggle with homelessness and deprivation.
The community’s swift response could ensure the continuation of a service fundamental to the welfare of Adelaide’s homeless population. To contribute or for more information on how to support, individuals and organisations can contact Melanie Tate at Puddle Jumpers directly.
Donations can be made online via the campaign link provided by Puddle Jumpers: https://keep-the-shower-truck-in-sa.raiselysite.com/
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