Hannah Couch — Creating Immediate Change for the Homeless Community
By: Marsha Doucette
Tags: Community, Voices In Volunteering, Volunteering, Homeless, Texas

How volunteers are helping to spread hope and dignity across Texas.

This interview with Hannah Couch, Administrative Assistant at Streetside Showers in Texas, was conducted and condensed by Marsha Doucette.

How did you find yourself working for Streetside Showers?

Streetside Showers began as a simple desire to help our homeless neighbors. While observing a homeless man struggle to get clean in a local public restroom, I realized just how important something as basic as a shower can be to a person living on the streets.

What is the history of the volunteer program of Streetside Showers?

Over the past year, our volunteer base has grown and we have developed relationships with local groups, who volunteer consistently at our shower stops. As the need has increased across North Texas, our local communities have stepped up to volunteer and provide us with support.

How does Streetside Showers’ volunteer program differ from similar organizations across the country?

Streetside Showers offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. We welcome volunteers on site at our shower stops as well as volunteer opportunities where people can take supplies home and make kits to hand out to the homeless. At Streetside Showers, we also welcome volunteers who have specific skills. These men and women can use their specialized talent to benefit the homeless of our community.

What can a new volunteer signing up expect?

When a volunteer signs up at a shower stop, they can expect a day on the frontlines with our homeless neighbors. The objective of volunteering with us is to reach the homeless on a personal level by greeting them with a warm smile and compassionate attention.

When you become a Shower Valet, which is the title we give our volunteers, you will be greeting the guests with authentic care. Also, you will serve them by cleaning the showers in between guests and distributing hygiene kits to each guest.

What kind of roles and skills are you looking for in volunteers?

Each volunteer opportunity has a different skill set required — especially a willing spirit. If a volunteer signs up to help at a shower stop, they must be 14 or older due to the nature of the work. We also have family friendly volunteer opportunities such as rolling rocks or packaging hygiene kits — these are very kid-friendly activities that volunteers can do in the comfort of their own home. Hairstylists and barbers are roles that require a special skill set.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Everyday at Streetside Showers, we get to see the immediate change in the countenance of these homeless men and women. I love seeing how restorative a simple shower and hygiene supplies can be. Even if you are living on the streets, you are still a person and deserve dignity and respect.

I love being able to spread hope to those in the community who need it most.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Keeping up with the growing need. There are homeless individuals in cities all throughout North Texas, but no other shower services to help alleviate this problem. We have grown rapidly over this past year and while we hope to continue, it is difficult to service every community at our current size.

How do you currently recruit your volunteers?

For the most part, volunteers come to us. Since we help the community in a unique and innovative way, people want to come alongside us to spread hope and human dignity to the homeless community.

We have actually had many homeless guests, after taking a shower, turn around and give back by volunteering. We love having them serve alongside of us.

Is there a Timecounts feature that has been a game changer for you?

The most useful feature for our organization has been the simplicity of gathering information. Since Timecounts keeps track of volunteer hours and emails, we do not have to worry about keeping track of that on our end. Also, the customizability of the volunteer shifts and descriptions has been very useful.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to volunteer coordination?

Communication is always important. Put as much information as you can on the signup page so that volunteers know what to expect and what is expected of them.