Free hot shower, toiletries on offer for Frankston’s needy thanks to selfless charity
A big-hearted mum has a simple message for those sleeping rough in Frankston – when the sun is at its highest in the sky, it signals doors are open at her new Comfort Station where they can find free warm showers and clean clothes. Here’s how it all began.
South East
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A kind-hearted mother who launched a charity to help the homeless after she saw a man sleeping in the bushes at Frankston says she will “never forget” the moment the first person used her new public shower facility.
After kicking off charity Donation Chain in 2016, founder Helena Blomeley has finally opened Frankston’s Comfort Station — a free, secure hot shower zone for those in need.
The selfless volunteer said she wouldn’t forget the first man who came in to the Playne St shower, who hadn’t talked to someone in so long that he didn’t know what date it was.
“We told him we had a hot shower and fresh underwear and socks for him … his eyes lit up,” Ms Blomeley told the Leader.
“He thought it was January and that Christmas had been … I told him it hadn’t, it was so sad.
“It just proves there are people out there with no one to talk to.”
Everyone who uses the shower is provided with a towel, thongs and handmade toiletry pack containing soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
Ms Blomeley, who has two young children and is employed as a crisis worker, took her campaign for awareness a step up when she didn’t shower for seven days during last year’s National Homelesness Week in August.
When she finally did wash, Ms Blomeley elected to do it at the Frankston foreshore outdoor shower to prove it was not a solution for people doing it tough.
“I didn’t brush my teeth or change my clothes … I felt embarrassed, hopeless and ashamed,” she said.
“When I showered at Frankston foreshore it was eight degrees and freezing … every time a blast of wind came, I screamed.
“There was no protection from the elements. It wasn’t a solution.”
Frankston Comfort Station now provides warm sheltered showers each Tuesday between 12-2.30pm and is manned by a rotating roster of volunteers.
“We picked 12pm because we know a lot of people don’t know the date or time,” Ms Blomeley said.
“Now people can look up when the sun is at its highest and know the shower is open.”
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Ms Blomeley said she and her team hoped to see more people come through as they build trust in the organisation and following the shower’s grand opening with Frankston City Council last week.
The group is calling for donations of any kind but was especially looking for toiletries, wrist watches or pocket-sized calendars.
Ms Blomeley was recently blown away to receive a 900-piece toiletry set from National Hotel Supplies last week.
“I started this charity, but it’s everyone who’s joined in that have helped me make a change,” Ms Blomeley said.
“Seeing the look on people’s faces makes it all worth it.”
To volunteer or donate, email donationchain@outlook.com or make a transfer to
Donation Chain Inc
Westpac
BSB 033179
Account: 335548
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au