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Social Justice Reflection Essay

Catherine R. Santiago

Department of Nursing, University of San Diego

HCIN 548-02-FA21-HCI Seminar

Professor Boone

December 8, 2021
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Social Justice Reflection Essay

For the social justice community activism competency, I have chosen to assist Showers of

Blessings. Showers of Blessing is a local mobile shower unit. This unit serves the homeless communities

of San Diego. Showers of Blessings operates on a weekly basis at various churches in and around San

Diego throughout the week. Volunteers host the showers, which include: clean clothes, socks, toiletries,

fresh towels, and a friendly smile for about 15-30 people each week. The showers rotate to other

churches around the diocese and support the Interfaith Rotational Shelter Ministry (EDSD, 2021).

The homeless population in California has grown significantly over the past few years. The

homeless sometimes refuse to seek assistance at shelters or other community-available resources. This

population can safely and privately take a shower and retain some dignity and humanity by having a

mobile shower unit. Everyone should have access to clean clothing and a nice warm shower.

As a volunteer, I am responsible for assisting in passing out toiletries and clothing and cleaning

the showers after each use. I’ve attached a picture of the volunteers and myself prior to Covid-19.

Showers of Blessings has been one of my go-to volunteer activities. The next opportunity to assist in this

great cause is on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Maria Pina will lead the group at the Episcopal Church

Center located at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd Ocean Beach, CA 92107, at 8:30 AM.
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References

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. (2021). Showers of Blessings. EDSD. Retrieved December 8,

2021, from https://edsd.org/episcopal-church-center/.