Showered with help: Shepherd’s House shower truck operator reflects on experiences

(Update: Adding video, comments by mobile shower coordinator)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – One of things many of us might take for granted: a hot shower.

For the last half year, Korey Devine has been providing hot showers to those in need through the Shepherd's House Ministries mobile shower unit.

“This is one of the services we provide that you see an almost instant reaction from the community,” Devine told NewsChannel 21 on Tuesday.

Devine is the coordinator for the mobile shower unit. He said it’s a job that gives him one of the best ways to give back to the community.

“I think when (those in need) see this truck, they see rest. They see hope,” he said.

Devine says he also values the connections he can make with people, especially those in need, like one he had a few weeks ago with a woman in Redmond.

“And this woman came out of the junipers with a wagon with four children,” Devine said.

He said something like that would have normally inspired confusion, but he didn’t know the full story yet.

“We learned she was just in dire straits,” Devine said. “We decided it would be a good idea to get her into a hotel with her children.”

The woman showed up just a for shower, and left showered with help.

 “Other nonprofits stepped up, and they brought her clothes and shoes, and they paid for more nights in the hotel,” Devine said. “All these different organizations jumped in and helped everywhere they could. It was a really incredible experience.”

He said just being welcoming can help to solve many issues.

"Really, just invite them to be part of the community. And that tends to be the best way to interact with people just in general," Devine said.

That's why Devine keeps coming back each day, to welcome someone else.

The shower truck can be found at the Bend shelter on Second Street from 2-4 p.m. on Mondays, and at the Shepherd’s House Division Street location from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. On Fridays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the truck is parked at the Family Kitchen.