CIRCLEVILLE, OH – The Circleville Sunrise Rotary Club has presented a $10,000 check to Nick Pruitt of PICCA (Pickaway County Community Action Organization) in support of the Soap-N-Hope mobile hygiene unit, a vital service for the county’s homeless population.
In a recent address to the Rotary Club, Pruitt discussed the alarming state of homelessness in the community. A recent survey revealed nearly 500 individuals living in various states of homelessness, but Pruitt emphasized that the actual number is closer to 1,000. He warned, “It’s going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.”
Pruitt highlighted the growing issue of homelessness among people aged 60 and older, attributing it to rising interest and tax rates, as well as increasing mortgage and rent costs. He stressed the need for community action to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in Pickaway County.
The Rotary Club’s donation will aid the Soap-N-Hope project, which involves the construction of a 32-foot trailer equipped with three shower stalls (including one wheelchair-accessible stall) and two stacked washer/dryer units. This mobile unit is expected to be delivered to PICCA by mid- to late-August.
Becky Hammond, Executive Director of PICCA, underscored the significance of the Soap-N-Hope initiative. The mobile unit will initially operate for several hours a day, a few days a week, making scheduled stops to provide bathing and laundry services to those in need. It will also be available for deployment following severe weather events or other disasters.
“Access to basic hygiene facilities not only promotes personal health but also boosts self-esteem,” Hammond stated. “Soap-N-Hope will serve as a gateway to inform individuals about the various programs available to enhance their living conditions and facilitate their journey towards self-reliance.”
Funded by an $85,000 grant from Circleville’s opioid settlement fund, PICCA has partnered with Comforts of Home, Inc. in Aurora, Illinois, to construct the mobile hygiene unit. The organization has also received donations from Circleville Sunrise Rotary, Judy and Rick Clifton, and several individuals to cover the unit’s estimated $60,000 annual operating costs, which include hiring a driver/manager.
PICCA is actively seeking additional grants and donations to purchase a super-duty pick-up truck for transporting the trailer. Individuals interested in contributing to the initiative are encouraged to contact PICCA at (740) 477-1655.
