Nov 11, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: Google Cash Helps Turn SF's Buses Into Showers for the Homeless

Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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The bus is parked on San Francisco’s industrial waterfront when it is not in service. Out of sensitivity for all members of the homeless community, the designers made all-inclusive gender and disability signage very clear on both sides of the bus.
Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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The front restroom and shower stall is wheelchair accessible.

Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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Guests can write on whiteboards in the shower stalls.
Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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The restrooms are equipped with temperature controls from KOHLER, as well as soap from Dr. Bronner’s.

Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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One guest and volunteer combs his hair while waiting for a shower.
Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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Guests use towels that are washed (for free) by the startup laundry service, Laundry Locker. Lava Mae will start paying for this service in the coming months.

Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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The bus has a newly-installed audio system.
Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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A 100-foot plumbing system and 50-gallon propane water heater sits at the back of the bus. Lava Mae plans to replace the current hose with a lighter version that is easier for one person to maneuver.

Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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The bus is parked in a busy section of the Tenderloin on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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Lava Mae hopes to have three more buses running in San Francisco by next year.

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