
The Essentials Van is a mobile clothing closet that also distributes hygiene essentials. Operated by an “Essentials Coordinator”, the van visits WAVE Project shower service sites and other identified sites in need throughout Metro Detroit (Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties). The back doors of the van open to reveal rear clothing racks to create space for clothing distribution (coats, jeans, sweatshirts, flannels, etc.). A custom side “service window” and organized interior space provide the flexibility to distribute socks, underwear, t-shirts, hygiene kits, warming bundles, blankets, and other yet-to-be-determined items as needed. Each week, hundreds of clothing and essentials items are distributed to those in need.