HEALING WATERS, Inc

Healing Waters, Inc. (HW) was established in May 2019 as an all-volunteer organization made up of compassionate individuals with a shared vision and commitment to the homeless. Father Dominic Vu, from The City of God, provided the seed money to implement this vision. Freedom in Christ Church (FICC) was in the process of building a mobile shower unit, and HW contracted with them for its use twice a week, at a location accessible to the homeless. In December 2019, HW was Incorporated and became a 501(c)3 non-profit company. Local churches and communities supported HW and provided volunteers to assist in running it. For optimal use, access to the showers was set at locations and times to coincide with the distribution of hot lunches by other organizations to the homeless and indigent.

At our two locations in Banning, we pray with our guests, and our prayer circles are inclusive and personal. We listen to their stories, and help them connect to available local, city, and county resources for housing, social, medical, and mental health services. Complementing the showers, haircuts, new underwear and socks, clothing, toiletries, seasonal items, and other supplies are given to help our guests stay safe on the streets. Once a month, a medical team runs a clinic. Job training and placement is possible through the Salvation Army. Bicycles and mobility equipment are given to the homeless based on need. HW participates with other local organizations in planning special events for the holidays, and generates and fulfills a Christmas wish list for 80-100 homeless and indigent guests each year. Non-perishable food bags, laundry services, laundry cards, and bus tickets are additional services available to our guests. We continue to seek partnership with organizations that provide meaningful services that will reduce homelessness.