What's Happening in Chandler, AZ…

Homeless people struggling to get back into the job market face many challenges, not least of which is presenting a professional appearance, but Chandler is making it possible for the homeless to have a shower and clean clothes.

The Chandler Clean Machine is a trailer equipped with three showers, private dressing spaces, and a washer and dryer. The unit will not only help people find jobs, it will also enable them to retain those positions.

Studies have shown that approximately one-third of homeless people who do manage to find a job do not make it through their probation, with hygiene and appearance often being a problem. Having access to a shower will eliminate this and also help improve self-esteem, while also reducing the chances of contracting an infection or an illness.

The Clean Machine has taken about 18 months to come to fruition. The trailer was a hazardous materials unit belonging to the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, which also used it as a center for mass casualties. When the Fire Department finished with it, the city donated it to For Our City Chandler, a group that works with the issue of homelessness and other community concerns.

For Our City could work with a flyer printing company to create a handout for distribution and posting at various agencies, explaining the Clean Machine and its schedule.