Between December 16 and 20, the “Projeto Banho Solidário Vicentino” [Vincentian Solidarity Bath Project] held five Christmas suppers with homeless brothers and sisters. These suppers, carried out in a fraternal and supportive atmosphere, offered not only a special meal, but also moments of sharing, hope and dignity, reinforcing the commitment of the project to social inclusion and humanitarian care.

Watch the video below:

The Vincentian Solidarity Bath Project, developed by the Santo Antônio Central Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, offers an innovative hygiene service for people experiencing homelessness, promoting dignity and social inclusion.

The project emerged from the Ação Missionária Vicentina [Vincentian Missionary Action], which distributes nightly meals to people living on the streets. During these activities, volunteers identified the need for a proper space for personal hygiene. Inspired by touching accounts of vulnerability, such as the difficulty of “taking a hot shower,” they decided to create a solution that upheld human dignity.

The service is delivered via a customized trailer with shower cabins for men, women, and individuals with reduced mobility. The facilities include gas-heated showers and external sinks for general hygiene. Each individual receives a hygiene kit (towel, soap, sponge, among others) and clean clothing.

The trailer visits nine strategic locations throughout the city, serving approximately 40 people daily. The initiative is sustained through donations and the dedication of volunteers who clean and restock supplies regularly.

Since its launch in June 2020, the project has not only addressed hygiene needs but also fostered a humanitarian connection by offering active listening and guidance for accessing other social services. It serves as a clear example of how local initiatives can transform lives, inspiring similar actions in other regions.

The Vincentian Solidarity Bath is more than a hygiene initiative; it is an act of love and respect for human dignity. Its simplicity and effectiveness inspire replication in other locations, demonstrating how small actions can bring about significant change.

Vanderson Magalhães

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