PICCA mobile hygiene unit under construction

CIRCLEVILLE — Soap-N-Hope, the mobile hygiene unit to serve the unhoused, those in need, and the entire community during emergencies is under construction and is expected to begin operations in late summer or early fall.

The board of directors of Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) approved contracting with an Illinois company to build the 32-foot-long trailer that will contain three shower stalls (including a handicapped-accessible stall), and two stacked washer/dryer units to save on space. Construction and delivery will take approximately eight weeks.

Soap-N-Hope is expected to initially operate several hours a day a couple days a week, making scheduled stops at pre-determined locations to give those needing the service an opportunity to bathe and launder their clothes,” PICCA Executive Director Becky Hammond said.

PICCA will expand operations based on demand, Hammond said, adding the mobile hygiene unit also will be available to the community after severe weather events or other disasters strike.

“Having the ability to bathe and wear clean clothing not only improves personal health and hygiene, it also enhances a person’s self-esteem,” Hammond said. “Soap-N-Hope will enable us to inform those using the service about the many programs we have available to improve their living conditions and get them on a path to self-reliance.”

PICCA contracted with Comforts of Home, Inc. in Aurora, Ill. to build the unit, using an $85,000 grant from the city of Circleville’s opioid settlement fund. To date, PICCA received donations from Circleville Sunrise Rotary, Judy and Rick Clifton, and a number of individuals to help cover operating costs, estimated at $60,000 a year.

Those costs include hiring a driver who also will serve as manager of the mobile unit.

In addition to ongoing operating costs, the non-profit agency also seeks grants and donations to purchase a super-duty pick-up truck to haul the trailer, Hammond said.

Anyone interested in contributing may contact PICCA at (740) 477-1655, she said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks Jeff Phillips for this report.