More than 47,000 people are living on the streets in Los Angeles, and they have limited access to clean showers. The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission is trying to change that by bringing showers to the streets.
Cleta West, 43, goes out to North Hollywood every Thursday to help the homeless. It is a mission she takes very seriously because she has been there herself.
After West's husband was killed in a drive-by shooting, she found herself sleeping on the street with her children, living in dirty conditions without consistent access to shelters.
"Think about how would you operate with a shower once a week," West said. "How are you going to go on that job interview? How are you going to get yourself off the streets?"
West found help at St. Charles Church. Now that she is off the streets, she is giving back to the church and the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission.
Every Thursday, the Rescue Mission sets up a mobile shower unit in the church parking lot and provides meals, haircuts and hot showers to anyone who needs them.
Felix Villa, 65, lives on the street. He said not bathing for weeks made him feel invisible, but after coming to the church and using the mobile shower unit, he feels like a new man.
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"It feels just right because the Lord gives it to me," Villa said.
The church also offers the homeless access to clean clothes from the thrift shop and groceries from the pantry.
"It makes you feel like someone cares, like God is listening," West said.
By helping those in need, West said she gets more than she gives.
"They come back to you and say, 'You know what? You were the only person who helped me, and now I have my own place, I have a job,'" West said. "Give an extra helping hand because the world needs it."
