RUMFORD — On Thursday, April 28, students from Saint Margaret School were provided a unique opportunity to tour “Shower to Empower.” Shower to Empower is a mobile unit which provides showers, haircuts, and other services to those experiencing homelessness. Students were able to hear from the team from House of Hope and ask questions about their outreach to the homeless community in Rhode Island.
“All of the kids spoke about how down to Earth the team was and how they helped people without casting judgment,” said teacher Bethany Bessette.
Shower to Empower has helped to provide close to 5,000 showers and 1,200 haircuts, and operates in three cities. As part of their Lenten collection, students collected toiletry items to donate and had a dress down day where they raised $350. Representatives from the student council presented these items to Laura Razza, director of House of Hope who also happens to be a parent of two SMS students.
Eighth-grader Sophiana Azzouz reflected on her experience hearing about Shower to Empower and made the connection between Matthew 25 in the Gospel.
“We need to understand that we are all blessed with many things,” said Azzouz. “We need to be open-hearted and accept all for who they are, no matter what their financial status is.”
