Did you know that the typical 15 minute shower uses upwards of 40 gallons of water? Most of us take for granted the amount of water we use on a daily basis. Now imagine if you were forced to limit your water usage - how would that impact you and your loved ones? How much water could you save by cutting down on shower time, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, or simply reusing the water that we cook with, or pour out casually from our drinking glasses, to feed plants or animals?
More than two million Americans lack access to clean running water and indoor plumbing. And for people experiencing homelessness, the pandemic has only made things worse. Many water sources where unhoused people had typically gone to are now closed, leaving them in desperate need of drinking water, safe handwashing, hot showers and much more.
That’s why World Water Day is taking place on Tuesday March 22. It exists to raise awareness for the true value of water and what we can do as individuals to better protect this vital resource. Red Oak is thrilled to partner with LavaMaeX to help with this most important cause. Dedicated to expanding clean water access - including mobile showers and handwashing - to our unhoused neighbors, LavaMaeX’s goal is to address the issues that unhoused individuals face when it comes to water access.
Since 2020, Red Oak partnered with LavaMaeX to help bring handwashing stations and hospitality services to the unhoused in the Bay Area, providing solutions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Our contributions in 2020 helped fund over 600 hand washing systems throughout the state. Over the past two years, Red Oak’s nonprofit, ROOF, has contributed close to $50,000 to the organization. And we will continue to contribute, as we believe firmly in LavaMaeX’s mission and the impact they are having in helping our unhoused communities.
LavaMaeX coined the term “Radical Hospitality” with a goal of changing the way the world looks at people experiencing homelessness. Their programs meet people wherever they are in hopes of helping to restore dignity and humanity back to those in need. The organization was featured in an Oscar-nominated documentary on Netflix.
Please join us in participating in World Water Day by giving back and helping to spread the word. See how you can take action and help others here. Remember, each small act can lead to a much greater impact. Please consider supporting LavaMaeX with us.
