Homeless to wash cars for softball team funds

Kelly Henly has an idea, and it involves some cars getting washed today.

John Freeman and Tina Briggs wash a car for a dress rehearsal for today's Lawrence Community Shelter's car wash to raise money to fund a softball team. The car wash will be at the shelter, 214 W. 10th St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A donation is suggested so they can buy softball gloves.

Henly wants to organize an every-other-week softball game for the city’s homeless.

“It won’t be anything formal – no uniforms or anything like that,” said Henly, a case manager at Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St. “We’ll just get together in South Park, and whoever wants to participate can.”

But bats, balls and gloves cost money, and the shelter’s budget can’t spare a dime.

“Even a used glove costs $10,” Henly said. “I called around to some businesses, and they offered to give us a discount. But I couldn’t find anybody to give us the stuff for free.”

Today , the shelter will host its first fundraising car wash from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.

Car wash

When: Today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St.

Suggested donation: $3

Customers are asked to enter the shelter’s parking lot via the 10th Street alley between Kentucky and Vermont streets

“Whatever money we make, we’ll use to buy equipment – gloves, mostly,” Henly said. “Some balls have been donated already, and we don’t need more than a couple bats.”

The day’s car-washing chores will be performed by the homeless.

“I’ll be there, absolutely,” said 45-year-old Amy Rush, who’s been homeless for about a year.

From left, Tommy Smith, Joey Gipson and Tina Briggs make a trial run for their car wash at the Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St., to raise money for a softball team for the homeless. The car wash will be today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter.

Shawn Campbell, 23, said he’d be there, too.

“I want to play, either first base or center field,” he said.

Originally from Reno, Nev., Campbell said he had been homeless for about three weeks.

“This friend of mine got sick. I came here with him so he could be with his parents,” he said. “But when we got here, his folks didn’t want anything to do with him, so I wound up here.”

Rita Barfield, 42, said she had been homeless since July 4, when she suffered “an acute anxiety attack and major depression.”

She’ll help wash cars.

“Most definitely,” she said. “Everybody loves baseball. We’re all Americans.”