Free Showers and Resources Reach Nearly 50 Oregonians in First Month

Local nonprofits El Jardín Recovery Centers and Cultivate Initiatives have delivered showers, hygiene supplies, and clothing to nearly 50 individuals in Multnomah and Washington County in the initiative's first month. The low-barrier program aims to restore dignity, reduce communicable disease risks, and encourage substance use recovery among the region’s unhoused population. 

With over 27,000 Oregonians experiencing homelessness in 2025, hygiene access has become a critical public health issue. Studies show adults experiencing houselessness are up to 54% more likely to develop severe skin conditions and increase the likelihood of communicable diseases. Furthermore, studies by the International Journal of Mental Health Systems and Stanford Medicine demonstrate that social support and hygiene access directly improve self-worth and mental health during times of crisis.

The Cultivate initiative shower van sits at El Jardín’s Hillsboro and Portland Centers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively.

Roberto Paredes, El Jardín's Programs Director, stresses the importance of leveraging this connection. “Hygiene and taking care of yourself make people feel better,” says Paredes. “This opportunity gives people back their dignity and makes a difference to someone in active addiction. Providing basic needs gets people off the streets and starting their recovery.”

“Our partnership with El Jardín helps us reach more members of the community, build trust, and connect people with services that can make a real difference in their lives." says Sandra Fairbank, Health and Hygiene Lead at Cultivate Initiatives.

Fairbank continues, “Sometimes a shower or clean clothing may seem like a small thing, but it can restore confidence, improve someone’s health, and remind them that they matter.”

This initiative is hosted at El Jardín’s Hillsboro and Portland locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. Showers are open for everyone in the community, ensuring that any person can receive the social support they need to build a better life.

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Interviews and photo opportunities are available. For press and media inquiries, please contact Diana Aleman, marketing and development manager, at daleman@eljardinrecovery.org