Atlanta, GA — Terence Lester, the executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a non-profit organization that offers support to homeless people, is creating hand-washing stations that are being assembled and distributed specifically to the homeless.
With the coronavirus outbreak affecting more and more people, the authorities have strictly recommended “social distancing” and hand washing. Lester thought about how difficult this would be for homeless people who don’t have access to clean water.
“I started wondering how homeless people would keep their hands cleans, it’s already difficult,” Lester told 11Alive. “The reality is some people are going to live on the streets and be on the streets.”
That’s when Lester started reaching out to RV manufacturers, who could use technology that helps build portable handwashing stations.
Within just a week, they have produced 15 portable machines that could hold 5 to 10 gallons of water each. The machine also has a refillable soap dispenser connected to it.
Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae connected with Lester to join the initiative and help put up the machines in key areas. Aside from that, they also provided more information to the people about the coronavirus and how they can stay healthy.
Lester, who once experienced being homeless, has been very adamant in serving the underserved community.
“When I was experiencing homelessness being out there, you would have to go a mile or two to wash your hands or go to the bathroom,” Lester said. “I wanted to make sure we put stations in parts where people are under bridges, just in case someone wants to stop and wash their hands.”