New downtown facility offers shower, laundry and hope

A new resource for individuals experiencing hardship has opened in downtown El Dorado Springs.

The Rock Bottom Community Shower, located at 114 St. James Street, was established by Lucas Quamme to provide access to basic necessities for people in need. The facility is open 24 hours a day and offers a shower, sink, refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer, along with food and toiletries donated by community members.

According to Michelle Quamme, the goal is to provide a safe, accessible place where people can meet essential needs while receiving support from the community.

“We built it for people in need,” Quamme said. “The hope is that they govern themselves, and when needed, we’ll step in.”

Lucas Quamme said the facility was built using personal funds and credit after he became concerned that shower access for people in need would become more limited. He said he felt there was a gap in services and decided to address it himself.

“There was a real need, and we decided to move forward and build it,” Quamme said. “It’s something my family has taken responsibility for because we felt it was important.”

Since opening, the facility has seen immediate use.

“There were lines of people waiting to shower,” Michelle Quamme said. “Some visitors were simply people who needed access to a shower and basic necessities.”

The center is monitored by security cameras and operates largely through community donations. Michelle Quamme said residents have responded generously by contributing toiletries, microwavable meals and other supplies.

“The community has showered the facility in toiletries and microwavable food,” Quamme said.

Michelle Quamme said community members have also stepped up to help care for the facility.

“So far, they have kept it pretty clean,” Quamme said. “I think somebody from the community even stopped by and cleaned up as a volunteer.”

Organizers are also hopeful local churches will continue to play an active role in the project by offering outreach and encouragement to those who visit.

“We’re in hopes that churches will continue their ministries there,” Quamme said. “They can stop in, spread hope, and share Jesus.”

The Rock Bottom Community Shower represents a grassroots effort to address immediate needs such as hygiene, laundry and food access for members of the community who may be struggling. The Quamme’s say they will continue monitoring the facility and make adjustments as needed as the project evolves.

Community members wishing to support the effort may do so through donations of toiletries, food items and other necessities.