CINCINNATI — Standard Textile Co. Inc., a provider of healthcare and hospitality textiles, reports it has achieved its goal of 80,000 showers for the homeless by the end of 2021 through Standard Textile Cares, its national program to combat homelessness.
The company met its goal through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the United States that provide mobile shower services to people dealing with homelessness or insufficient housing.
Standard Textile launched Standard Textile Cares and its 80,000-shower goal in November of 2020 in honor of the company’s 80-year legacy of inspiring care, comfort, and change in communities. Since 1940, Standard Textile has been partnering with organizations to help those in need through product donations, financial support and volunteerism.
“On any given day, more than a half-million Americans experiencing homelessness may not have regular access to basic essentials many of us take for granted, including a shower or a soft towel,” says Gary Heiman, Standard Textile’s president and CEO.
“A shower can do so much more than offer personal hygiene; it can restore dignity, something everyone deserves.”
Through the Standard Textile Cares program, the company says it has donated thousands of bath towels, washcloths, shower curtains and blankets to organizations offering shower services supporting an estimated 80,200 showers annually.
“We received the donation and all we can say is WOW!” says Jenny Perez, executive director of Mary Magdalen House in Cincinnati. “As you can imagine, towels, washcloths and shower curtains are integral to the work of Mary Magdalene House.
“In 2021, we provided nearly 17,000 showers for our guests. The donation of these items from Standard Textile Cares means Mary Magdalene House can provide the best experience to the guests who visit us every day.”
Homelessness in the United States has grown in recent years. In its most recent annual count conducted in January 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported more than 580,000 people were homeless in the country. Their data shows a four-year upward trend in homelessness even before the COVID-19 crisis began.
Standard Textile says it plans to continue the Standard Textile Cares program throughout 2022.
The company’s list of partner organizations has grown to serve areas in 12 states, extending the program’s reach and ability to bring comfort to those in need.
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