Restoring Dignity and Health in Jasper and Newton Counties

At the Joplin Corps, which serves Jasper and Newton Counties, our shower and laundry program has become a vital resource in our community. When our unhoused neighbors come to the corps, they can take a warm shower, change into clean clothes we provide, and also launder their belongings. We provide personal hygiene products and laundry detergent.

For the people we serve, this program is more than access to clean clothes and a safe, warm shower – it’s about restoring dignity and health.

Our current washers and dryers have worked hard for many years and the wear and tear is evident. And to top it off, our hot water heater recently broke, putting the program on hold for the foreseeable future. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to share our story with KOAM News. I discussed why this program matters and why we are focusing our fundraising on securing new washers, dryers and a hot water heater. The very next day, a kind woman who had seen the interview stopped by our building. She toured our space, learned more about the Shower and Laundry program and our other services, and saw firsthand the impact these resources have on our neighbors. 

Before she left, she did something incredible – she wrote us a check to fully fund two new washers and dryers at the corps. Her generosity is a powerful reminder that when we tell our story and invite the community in, people want to help. This fundraiser exists because a shower and clean clothes truly change lives, and thanks to supporters like her, that change is already happening!

We are still in need of funds to replace the hot water heater, which will require a more than $10,000 investment. The Joplin corps is also accepting donations of new towels, laundry detergent and hygiene products. We are so grateful to the community for their support!