CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On any given day, MaShonna Hughes is a busy woman.
“Sometimes people just need a simple hey. People just need a simple, 'hi, how are you doing' with genuine, authentic intentions behind that,” she said.
Hughes is not only providing intentional conversations, but with the help of her team she’s also providing dignity on wheels.
That's because Hughes is the executive director of Project Outpour. She took over the role earlier this year.
“We have five locations that we go to every single week here in Charlotte. We set up our mobile showers at those locations every week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Hughes shared. “Our shower unit holds two full bathrooms. With each full shower, our neighbors receive a brand-new t-shirt, socks and underwear as well as an array of hygiene services."
From deodorant to nail clippers, all their services are free.
WCNC Charlotte first introduced you to Project Outpour back in 2019. At the time, Mecklenburg County’s annual report on housing and homelessness showed more than 2,000 people were experiencing homelessness.
Hughes shared that the need continues to grow.
“Unfortunately, here in Charlotte, we did the point-in-time count last year and there were over 3,000 unhoused individuals,” Hughes recalled. “What we are seeing an increase in are family units. Families that have multiple children.”
In 2022, Project Outpour provided 936 showers. Last year, that number jumped to 1,944.
While the work is constant Hughes said the difference, they’re making is what keeps her rolling on.
“I understand my purpose is having an impact. I can honestly say with these mobile showers we are having more and beyond an impact,” she mentioned.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.