Pop-Up Care Village: Transforming Lives Through Hygiene

Pop-Up Care Village is an inspiring initiative developed by the non-profit organization Lava Mae, in collaboration with SITELAB urban studio. This innovative program seeks to address the pressing issue of inadequate hygiene facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. By retrofitting decommissioned public buses into mobile shower units, Lava Mae has created a vital service that brings dignity and hygiene to those in need throughout the city.

The collaboration between Lava Mae and SITELAB urban studio has birthed the concept of the 'Pop-Up Care Village' (PUCV). This unique model is akin to food truck festivals, where multiple homeless service stations congregate in a public space for a single day each month. This event is rooted in the principles of radical hospitality, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants. Every PUCV is designed not just to provide essential services but to uplift spirits and create a positive community experience.

Services at PUCV encompass a broad range of resources, including food, clothing, hygiene stations, legal advice, job training, arts, music, and even bookmobiles. The initiative places a strong emphasis on gathering feedback from participants during each event. This iterative approach ensures that the programs evolve over time, continually improving to better serve the community's needs. By focusing on participant feedback, the project embodies a responsive and adaptive service model.

The physical design of the Pop-Up Care Village is carefully curated to transform the ordinary sidewalk into an inviting space that welcomes individuals and provides access to essential services. The layout is intentionally crafted to promote dignity and create a sense of identity. Utilizing visual cues, unified branding, and clearly delineated zones, the PUCV fosters an environment that encourages participation and engagement while integrating seamlessly with its urban context.

In 2017, the team behind PUCV pioneered an open-source model for mobile hygiene services, which has proven to be a game-changer in the realm of social services. Currently, they are analyzing metrics from the pilot program to further develop and launch an open-source model for the Pop-Up Care Village. This commitment to transparency and collaboration highlights the project's dedication to not only addressing immediate needs but also contributing to a broader dialogue about homelessness and community support.

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