Photo: Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group
Denise Caine once lived in a big four-bedroom house in downtown Antioch and worked in a bank. But on a recent Saturday, the 52-year-old mother of six was standing in a line for some free socks, a hot meal, a Gospel message and a shower.
“They’re new and fluffy and will keep my feet warm,” Caine said, cuddling the pair of thick white socks being offered along with new tennis shoes to those in need.
Caine is a regular these days at Shower House Ministries’ weekly Saturday events at the Black Diamond Lines Model Railroad Club parking lot, where founder Ken Rickner sets up his 16-foot custom trailer complete with several shower stalls. After delivering “the word” and a hot lunch, the formerly homeless minister lets attendees — there’s usually 20 to 30 — take 3 1/2-minute hot showers to wash away the grime and renew spirits.