Prosper, Texas. Ethan and Bryce Johnson, a high school senior and sophomore, spent most Wednesday mornings this past summer doing something a little bit unusual: passing out towels and hygiene kits and cleaning portable shower stalls for homeless individuals. Their clients and new friends are those who come weekly to the McKinney location of Streetside Showers, a nonprofit organization that offers hope and restores dignity by fulfilling a need many may take for granted — the ability to take a hot shower.
Founder Lance Olinski has been providing mobile showers in North Texas for several years now to help those who find themselves without means to fulfill some of their basic needs. Indeed, he believes everyone deserves a shower, saying, “Homelessness is not a personally trait. Homelessness is a situation.”
The Johnson brothers learned more about individuals’ personal situations as they showed up each week to help Olinski’s crew. They formed connections with the individuals they served, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles related to homelessness, addiction, and poverty. They also witnessed the impact of humanity, kindness, and hard work.
The Johnson brothers learned more about individuals’ personal situations as they showed up each week to help Olinski’s crew. They have learned more about addiction and poverty and disabilities, but also more about humanity and kindness and work.
Ethan and Bryce are honest about why they began volunteering this summer. Ethan said, “We started because our mom said it would be a good idea.” But he was quick to add, “We’ve stayed because, honestly, they’re pretty fun. The people that we get to hang out with…can teach you stuff.”
Bryce said, “I learned a lot. A lot of people, when they are at their lowest points — they are homeless; they don't have anywhere to shower, so they are coming to us — [but] they still rely on God.”
The teenagers also learned a lot about their own situations. Ethan said, “We’re really blessed…. [and] we shouldn't take it for granted. And I’ve learned [that] it is important to surround yourself with the right people. A lot of them got in their situation because of the people they surrounded themselves with [who] got them down the wrong path.”
Misty Johnson, the teens’ mother, recalls that Olinski made an impression on her at their first meeting one Wednesday when he drove the truck to McKinney himself. “He talked about all the people that were visiting and he called them his guests,” she said. “I was so touched by that because he did not label them in any certain way…. He said, ‘I want to treat them as if the biggest, most famous person in the world was here.’”
The Johnson family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their faith is central to their commitment to service. As Ethan put it, “I feel it’s important just to give back and do what God would want me to do. I feel it's really important to do God’s work and help these people through hard times.”
Bryce had some words of encouragement for other teens who are wondering how they can serve their community: “I feel like the small things are really important, like saying hi to people who are coming to get a shower. You just feel like you are making a difference just by making someone’s day a little bit better. So if you want to start small and work your way up, you can do that.”
Ethan added, “It’s a lot better to serve if you do it with an open heart.” These diligent young men indeed opened their hearts, turning the small act of handing someone a towel and clean socks into something that made a big impact on themselves and their guests.
Ongoing needs for Streetside Showers can be found at their website or at JustServe.org by searching for “Streetside Showers.” Watch the reel of the boys in action here.