To many who experience homelessness, a simple shower is more than a way to clean their bodies. It restores their dignity.

Webber Street Day Centre offers free showers to people experiencing homelessness. The showers have struggled to keep up with demand for the past thirty years, using a small boiler that heats a medium-sized water tank.

However, with the increase in demand for Webber Street services, the boiler, which has had heavy use, urgently needs to be upgraded.

For John, LCM Mission Associate at Webber Street Day Centre, having access to a shower is a fundamental need. Homeless himself for many years, John knows first hand what living on the streets is like. (Visit lcm.com.uk/wrong-turns to discover more.)

“First of all, not having access to a shower isn’t good for your health. But it also compounds that feeling of disconnection. You feel dirty. You don’t want to look people in the eye. Not only do people want to avoid you, but you also feel like you’re being judged,” he explains.

The difference after a decent shower is immense.

A shower is vital for Ben, who has been rough sleeping on London’s streets for a little over a year.

“It gives you a reboot,” Ben explains. “It helps change my mindset. It makes me feel happier. A good hot shower helps me – especially during the winter when your body temperature changes.”

For Sam, it’s a way to wash the street off his skin.

“A shower makes me feel so much better. It gives me a jump start, and I appreciate Webber Street very much for offering free showers and fresh clothes.”

The new renovation at Webber Street will upgrade the boiler in time for winter, offering guests warmth and dignity during the bitterly cold months.

“This renovation work, increasing our capacity from three showers to four, means that we won’t have to turn people away,” says John.

There is time to help support the renovations until the end of October 2024. If you wish to find out more about how you can contribute to our Webber Street Refurbishment Appeal, please visit lcm.org.uk/refurbishment or click the button below.