In July, Shower Power NYC handed a fully operational shower program to Harlem United. Over twelve months, Shower Power recruited and trained staff, implemented trauma-informed shower protocols, and built a foundation for sustainable operations. This work culminated when the shower program staff became full-time employees of Harlem United. Now with our commitment to advancing health equity and the foundational support of Shower Power NYC, the shower program is fully operational, ensuring ongoing access to hygiene for those who need it most.
Since our founding, we have envisioned multiple models for bringing shower programs to communities across the City. This first-of-its-kind partnership with Harlem United represents an important step for Shower Power as we expand beyond our directly operated Fresh City program to a partner-oriented model. With strong partners like Harlem Untied, we’ve demonstrated our ability to deliver services in multiple ways while remaining firmly focused on our core mission: providing access to hygiene for those who need it most.
-Chuck Van Buren, Board President, Shower Power NYC
The synergy between Shower Power NYC and Harlem United was apparent from our first interaction. We are thrilled to fully integrate members of the Shower Power team as Harlem United employees. It’s safe to say both organizations have realized a dream — building sustainable models of care that recognize the dignity of everyone in the community.
-Jacquelyn Kilmer, CEO, Harlem United
This milestone marks an important step for both Shower Power NYC and Harlem United, ensuring consistent and reliable access to showers and hygiene services for Harlem United’s clients who need them most.
