Every Friday under Phra Pinklao Bridge on Phra Athit Road, homeless people line up in front of a truck that provides laundry service as well as bathrooms. This service is known as "Sod Chuen Sathan (Freshen Up Spot)", a collaborative project of The Mirror Foundation together with Otteri Wash & Dry.
Sittiphol Chuprajong, project manager of the homeless project under The Mirror Foundation explained that "Freshen Up Spot" was created after the group conducted a survey to find what homeless people need most besides shelter. The survey revealed that showering and brushing their teeth are two essential needs.
"The survey revealed that the most important needs for homeless people are jobs, food, showers and brushing, respectively. From the survey, it was learned that homeless people take a shower twice a day and wash their clothes twice a week, but it is not easy for them to do that. They take showers in public restrooms at a gas station or other places with a water source," said Sittiphol.
"Otteri Wash & Dry wanted to create a truck that provides laundry, drying and bathroom services to the homeless, so they contacted The Mirror Foundation. We think if homeless people can access laundry and shower services, their quality of life would be better. So we co-operated with Otteri Wash & Dry and developed the truck together," he added.
"Freshen Up Spot" project, which started serving the homeless in the middle of 2022, has received positive feedback from people. However, the service is available only on Friday between 10am and 3pm and can serve only 25 people a day. Since personal hygiene is an essential need, The Mirror Foundation plans to expand the project to be a daily service in a permanent area.
"We have been discussing with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to find a shophouse which can be transformed to provide shower, laundry and drying services. Otteri Wash & Dry will provide equipment, such as washing and dryer machines, while The Mirror Foundation will organise the service. With a permanent venue, we can earn money providing services. If we have enough income to support the project, 'Freshen Up Spot' will be a long-term project," said Sittiphol.
In addition to "Freshen Up Spot", The Mirror Foundation has also joined forces with Otteri Wash & Dry to organise "Wash And Share". In this project, Otteri Wash & Dry was responsible for washing donated clothes at its outlets nationwide until Sept 30. After washing and drying, Otteri sent the clothes to Soon Khon Rai Thee Pueng (Protection Centres For The Destitute) under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, which are also available nationwide.
In order to improve the quality of life of the homeless, The Mirror Foundation realises the homeless need a job so they can be independent and rent a place for themselves. As a result, "Jang Wan Kha (Hire Me)" was launched in 2020.
"During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the number of homeless people increased because many lost their jobs and therefore they could no longer pay rent. They had to live in public places and become homeless. 'Hire Me' was launched to help homeless people find a job, so they can support themselves," Sittiphol said.
"About 70% to 80% of people who participate in 'Hire Me' are elderly who have no potential to compete in the labour market. They are too old to work at construction sites and in factories. 'Hire Me' gives them cleaning jobs," said Sittiphol.
Of 120 people in the 'Hire Me' project, 30 now rely on themselves and can afford rent, so they do not have to live on the streets anymore.
"When we talked to them about the results, they expressed gratitude for 'Hire Me' which gave them a second chance since they are elderly and no longer have an opportunity. Many of them suggested 'Hire Me' to their homeless friends," Sittiphol said.
"Chara Recycle (Recycling Job For The Elderly)" is another project to assist elderly people who need a job. Sittiphol explained that the idea came when The Mirror Foundation wanted to do an environmental and recycling project.
"At the foundation, some items people donate cannot be used such as torn shoes and plastic wraps. We need to sort waste and think about elderly people because it is a job that they can do. This recycling project is not limited to only The Mirror Foundation, as elderly participants will work with other organisations the foundation co-operates with," said Sittiphol.
"In the past, we also worked with a fast-food company. Participants collected, cleaned and sent their plastic containers and utensils to recycling companies. We currently are discussing with the BMA to separate the trash in Chatuchak market because there is a lot of waste there and people are needed," he explained.
While The Mirror Foundation works closely with homeless people, some on social media criticise the homeless as being lazy and not wanting to work. One person said that homeless people do nothing but wait for giveaway items.
"Comments on social media judge based on their status. Some people think that poverty is the result of laziness. The truth is, most homeless people are always looking for a job in order to earn money. However, most are elderly people, so they cannot compete in the labour market. When they are hired, they tell their friends about their job, so they can apply for a job as well. Without a job, they stay on the streets and people assume they are lazy," Sittiphol explained.
To help homeless people stay off the streets permanently, The Mirror Foundation tries to make their projects sustainable.
"If homeless people do not have a steady income, they will not be able to rent a place or get off the streets. Thus, we must help them get a job and an income. The problem is our main income is still from donations, so we need to create a business model that can take care of homeless people in the long run," said Sittiphol.
For more information about homeless people projects, visit facebook.com/workfromhomeless.
