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Lava Mae

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Model & Strategy

Lava Mae’s mission is to deliver dignity and unlock opportunity for those experiencing homelessness — one mobile shower at a time. Lava Mae is transforming decommissioned San Francisco MUNI buses into bathrooms on wheels.  On board every bus are two private pods each with a shower, toilet, sink, and changing area.

Lava Mae works closely with local government and operates in partnership with a range of nonprofits serving the homeless ranging from drop-in centers and health clinics to post-probation re-entry programs.  In order to provide 360-degree support that meets homeless individuals where they are, Lava Mae facilitates Pop Up Care Villages, which convene a range of mobile service providers in the same at the same time to deliver holistic care.

At a Glance
Founded: 2013
By: Doniece Sandoval
Systemic Poverty
Location of work: Domestic, West Coast
http://lavamae.org/
Lava Mae
3543 18th Street, #24
San Francisco, CA 94110
Delivering dignity & opportunity – one mobile shower at a time
Blue Lava Mae Bus
Doniece Sandoval of Lava Mae
Meet Doniece Sandoval

Doniece Sandoval was compelled to start Lava Mae based on a fierce belief that everyone has a right to dignity, which brings opportunity and the knowledge that access to showers and sanitation are in serious short supply for the homeless.  For her work, she received the Innovation Award at the 2015 Bank of the West Philanthropy Awards.

Doniece has orchestrated marketing, PR and development for both private and nonprofit organizations including ZERO1: The Art & Technology Network, San Jose Museum of Art, Wilson McHenry Company, Informix, DoubleClick, Toysrus.com, McGuire & Company for Coca Cola and ACA Joe among others. Her passion is finding unique solutions to problems that matter to her.

IMPACT

Lava Mae makes it possible for homeless individuals to gain employment and maintain health and provides a place for those who are disabled to find bathrooms that meet their needs.

 

Since launching in June 2014, Lava Mae has provided over 15,00 showers to 3,000 people.  Through its Pop-Up Care Village Pilot, Lava Mae has served another 1,200 with 300 volunteers and 40 service partners.

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