Transforming Public Buses into Mobile Showers: Pop-Up Care Village Initiative

San Francisco, CA, USA

Project's Summary

Pop-Up Care Village (PUCV) is an innovative program introduced by non-profit organization Lava Mae and SITELAB urban studio. Recognizing the lack of shower facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness, Lava Mae transformed decommissioned public buses into mobile showers, providing essential hygiene services across the city. Through their collaboration, the concept of PUCV was born – a unique initiative resembling food truck festivals, where multiple homeless service stations come together in a public space for one day each month.

At the heart of this project lies the principle of radical hospitality, with services tailored to meet the specific needs of the guests. The aim is to uplift spirits and create positive experiences. PUCV offers an array of services including food, clothing, hygiene, legal aid, job training, arts, music, and even bookmobiles. Feedback from each PUCV event is carefully gathered, allowing for an iterative model that continuously evolves the programs and operations over time.

The design of the PUCV is centered around converting ordinary sidewalks into welcoming spaces that provide access to much-needed services. This is achieved through visual cues, unified branding, and clearly delineated zones that encourage participation and create a sense of identity. By integrating the PUCV with its surroundings, engaging with curious passersby, and making the challenges faced by the homeless community visible, the project aims to generate dialogue and promote actionable solutions.

The team behind PUCV developed an open-source model for mobile hygiene in 2017 and is presently analyzing metrics from the pilot program. The goal is to launch an open-source model for the entire PUCV initiative, allowing other communities to replicate this impactful project. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, Lava Mae and SITELAB hope to inspire and empower others to address the pressing issue of homelessness in their own cities.

In conclusion, Pop-Up Care Village is a collaborative effort between Lava Mae and SITELAB urban studio that seeks to address the shortage of shower facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. By retrofitting decommissioned public buses into mobile showers, PUCV provides much-needed hygiene services to those in need. The program goes beyond showers, offering a range of services tailored to uplift and empower the homeless community. Through thoughtful design and integration with the surrounding environment, PUCV aims to create positive experiences and promote actionable solutions. The team's open-source model allows for the replication of this impactful initiative in other communities, fostering a collective effort to combat homelessness.

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