Feb. 16, 2026
BYJOHN BAILEY
The Catawba County United Way was excited to be part of the Kindness Project’s Shower Day at the Hickory Soup Kitchen Saturday (Feb. 7).
The event was open to those experiencing homelessness, living unsheltered, on the streets or in encampments.
Along with access to showers at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, there were free haircuts, hygiene items and lunch. The United Way provided free coats, winter hats and feminine hygiene products.
The Homeless Response Team from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments was also at the event to help gather information on other needs the unsheltered had and begin the process of connecting them to resources. In My Father’s House was also on site serving meals.
Christine Blackburn lives in her car and the Hickory Soup Kitchen along with all the extra services at the agency have become a key part of her life.
“This place is wonderful. It’s my main meal every day and a shower and then these haircuts they are the best,” Blackburn said. “You can’t get your hair cut otherwise.”
After her haircut she connected with the Homeless Response Team to check on resources to help her find permanent housing.
Thank You again to Kindness Project for organizing such an amazing moment.
Learn more about the Kindness Project’s outreach at www.kindnessprojecthky.org.
