Access to Basic Needs & Stability Services
The Eleos Center is a vital lifeline for unhoused neighbors and the working poor in our community. As a highly effective homeless engagement center, Eleos provides dignified access to basic needs—showers, laundry, clothing, hygiene supplies—and connects people to essential services that support stability, employment, and health. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Center builds trust and creates pathways to long-term solutions.
More Than Hygiene—A Gateway to Health, Dignity & Connection
Whether someone is living on the street, in their car, or struggling to afford utilities, Eleos meets them with respect and support. Beyond clean laundry or a hygiene kit, guests find a compassionate team ready to connect them with the tools and services that create real, lasting change.
What the Eleos Center Offers
Our staff and volunteers work daily to provide comfort, cleanliness, and connection through:
Showers
Safe, private, and clean facilities where guests can maintain hygiene and dignity.
Laundry Services
Fresh clothing can mean everything. We average 300 loads per month for families and individuals.
Clothing Closet
Year-round clothing including coats, shoes, and essentials—more than 30,000 items distributed annually.
Hygiene Kits
Monthly supply of personal care products like soap, deodorant, and feminine hygiene—essentials often out of reach.
Bus Tickets Home
When someone becomes stranded in Anderson, we help them reunite with support systems through compassionate travel assistance.
Meeting Needs, Changing Lives
At Eleos, every service is a step toward dignity, health, and hope. From walk-in access to long-term support, we meet people where they are and help them move forward.
Who We Serve
We welcome adults and families across Anderson and Madison County who are experiencing:
- Homelessness or unstable housing
- Job loss or reduced income
- No access to utilities or hygiene services
Whether rebuilding after incarceration or simply trying to get by while working, guests find a low-barrier space with no ID required and no judgment given.
Why It Matters
Meeting basic needs helps build long-term stability:
- Clean clothes lead to job opportunities
- Showers reduce illness and improve well-being
- Hygiene kits help kids attend school with confidence
- A bus ticket can reconnect someone with home and family
- These simple services create real outcomes in employment, education, housing, and health.
How It Works
Eleos is built on dignity, connection, and community coordination:
- Open Access: Walk-in friendly—no appointment needed
- Case Connections: Referrals to housing, jobs, healthcare, and more
- Seasonal Support: Winter coats, summer hydration, and timely care
- Measured Impact: We track service use to better meet needs year-round
You Can Help Make It Happen
Eleos relies on community generosity to keep the washers running, shelves stocked, and guests supported. Your involvement directly meets urgent needs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eleos only for people experiencing homelessness?
No. While Eleos serves unhoused individuals, many guests are working adults or families with housing who simply can’t afford essential services like laundry, hygiene supplies, or weather-appropriate clothing. We also support people in temporary crisis, such as job loss or medical hardship.
Can families with children use Eleos services?
Yes. Families are welcome. We offer clothing for children and allow parents to use showers, do laundry, and access hygiene items needed to keep their kids clean, confident, and in school. We aim to create a respectful, trauma-informed space for guests of all ages.
Do you provide medical care or mental health services at the Center?
Eleos does not provide direct medical or behavioral health care, but we regularly refer guests to trusted local partners for services such as healthcare screenings, mental health support, and substance use treatment. Staff can help facilitate appointments and transportation when available.
Is there a limit to how often someone can use the showers or laundry?
We try to ensure everyone has regular access, especially those who are working or job-seeking. While we don’t have strict limits, we do track usage and may rotate access to ensure fairness during busy periods. Guests are welcome to speak with staff if they have specific needs.
What kinds of clothing do you usually have available?
Our inventory depends on donations, but we typically have seasonal essentials like coats, gloves, shoes, workwear, socks, and undergarments. We prioritize items that help people stay warm, dry, and job-ready. All items are distributed free of charge.
How do guests find out about Eleos if they’re new to the area or recently in crisis?
We collaborate with local churches, shelters, first responders, and healthcare providers to share information. Many guests also find us by word of mouth or during outreach efforts. No referral is needed—just walk in.
Do you help with housing applications or job searches directly?
While Eleos staff aren’t case managers, we do assist guests with online forms, identification requirements, and referrals to employment agencies and housing navigators. We’re happy to help with basic tasks like making copies, scanning documents, or printing job applications.
Have Questions? Let’s Connect.
Whether you're someone in need or want to learn how you can support Eleos, we’re here to help. Visit our Contact page or stop by the Center during open hours.