Shower of Hope. Helping the homeless with a mobile shower.

Helped 34 clients at The Shower of Hope today. There were a few new people. A married couple came by who have been living in their car. I think one lost a job and they couldn't afford the rent on only one salary. They still had a bit of the 'I can't believe this has happened to me and I have to accept charity' look in their eyes. They really enjoyed their showers and they both got haircuts.

Kiva loan to Farmline

Made a kiva loan to Farmline.  Farmerline is a global social enterprise using mobile technology to connect farmers to information and vital services that increase profit. ​ Through Farmerline’s 399 service, farmers are able to dial the USSD code “399” on a mobile phone in Ghana and are presented with options to access affordable, genuine inputs, financial literacy education, weather forecasts, as well as weekly updates on market prices, all in their local languages. Farmerline is presented with viable data which is used to connect the farmer to the nearest Famerline in-field workshop, community agent, or distributor. At this point the farmer has the option to obtain the input through a layaway wallet program or input credit scheme. As a result, Farmerline is able to provide the high quality inputs that farmers need to protect their crops and the resources to purchase other services to support their livelihood. Watch and learn how Farmerline's 399 Service is impacting farmers

Shower of Hope

I volunteer each week at the Shower of Hope, a mobile shower for the homeless.

Today at The Shower of Hope I met Eric. It was his first time at the shower. He just became homeless a month ago. He left an abusive relationship of 7 years. His ex was also his business partner so he lost his job too. His family won't help him because he's gay. He has his stuff stored at a friends parent's place and he is trying not to overburden his friends by couch surfing. He has a degree from UC Santa Barbara and good job experience. He doesn't expect to be homeless long. He said several times that he never, ever thought he would end up where he was. I hear that a lot. Most people don't plan to be homeless.

Eric had the first shower he had in days and a very stylish haircut, a wonderful lunch (including a salad donated by Trader Joes), and he got to spend a few hours in a space with people he could talk to.