Shower Project

Showers, Clothing, Coffee & Snacks, Respite, Hygiene Supplies 

Open Wednesdays, 12 pm – 4 pm

At the corner of SW 13th and Salmon

First come, first served; open to all who seek a shower

ADA Accessible

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First Unitarian has a long history of commitment to serving our unhoused community. In 1968, Outside In got its start in the basement of First Unitarian, and we’ve had a close relationship with them ever since. When our Buchan building was built in 2007, the lower level was intentionally designed to provide a space for community service. For over a decade, Portland Homeless Family Solutions (now Path Home) ran a day shelter for homeless families. They now have their own campus. 

As we were re-emerging from the pandemic, a dedicated team of church staff and volunteers began to explore how we could use the space in service of our unhoused neighbors. Planning began in 2023 to use the lower level for the 13 Salmon Shower Project. We opened our doors on January 24, 2024.

13 Salmon Shower Project’s main goal is to provide access to basic hygiene needs in a safe and non-judgmental environment, known as a “Do No Harm Zone.”  We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, housing status, or ability, feels welcome and secure. It is important to note that affiliation with First Unitarian Portland or any religious organization is not a prerequisite for utilizing our services.

13 Salmon Shower Project aims to:

  • Offer unhoused individuals a free and secure space to shower, rest, enjoy a warm drink and snack, get clean clothing, and experience refuge from conditions on the street.
  • Based on compassion and an ethic of mutual care, build relationships between our congregation and unhoused neighbors.

Hear From Our Volunteers

Visit this article from Dana Buhl, Director of Social Justice.

Donations

We are always in need of the following items:

  • Cases of water bottles
  • New men’s white T-shirts (sizes M & L)
  • New boxer-briefs (sizes M & L)
  • New or used winter clothes
  • Granola bars
  • Sleeping bags & blankets

These gifts make a big difference in the lives of those we serve! Items can be left in the COHHO bins in Fuller Hall.

For information on urgent needs, please subscribe to our Front Steps e-News or check our weekly Order of Service at this link.

We are proud to be one thread in the ecosystem of care for people living outside. We are grateful for the encouragement and support of Outside In, Welcome Home Coalition, Sunnyside Shower Project, Hygiene 4 All, Leaven Land and Housing Coalition and the support of Save Lives Oregon.

We are grateful for the invaluable support from the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program that provided our start-up funding!

Check out this interview with our co-founding project coordinator about community hygiene programs for unhoused neighbors: Think Out Loud Interview about Shower Project — OPB.org

Questions? Please email us at ShowerProject@firstunitarianportland.org