WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Motorists may notice a few small green signs popping up around Wichita. The signs advertise FlushAwayPoverty.org, and are a prediction that some people will get a colorful, traveling toilet delivered to their homes or offices in April.
HumanKind Ministries launched Flush Away Poverty as a fundraising challenge to “get it going” to fight poverty and homelessness.
The organization says that for one week in April, people will see hundreds of bright, bold toilets sent to and by family, friends and neighbors to raise money for Wichitan’s 61,000 residents living in poverty.
Organizers say it will raise awareness because toilets in courtyards are hard to ignore.
“The toilet is the ultimate symbol of basic needs,” said LaTasha St. Arnault, president and CEO of HumanKind, in a press release. “This is a unique way to draw attention to basic needs that many of us take for granted. It’s different, it’s bold, and it’s hard to ignore.
You can have a full-size toilet delivered to someone’s home for a $200 donation, or a five-inch toilet-shaped planter delivered to their home or office for $50. 12 miles from HumanKind.
The recipient can keep the toilet, flush it forward (or return it to the sender), or have it removed and returned to HumanKind.
HumanKind will begin selling the toilets March 1 on FlushAwayPoverty.org and ship them the week of April 17-23. However, he says the number of toilets is limited, so people should book theirs in advance.
HumanKind Ministries serves more than 15,000 people each year. He says nearly 700 people are homeless in Wichita every night. It serves double that number in its shelters every year.
The money raised will support HumanKind’s programs, including funding new restrooms at their emergency winter shelter for men.
HumanKind is in need of volunteers to help with the Flush Away Poverty event. Click here to learn more and volunteer.
