Access to water is a fundamental human right. Yet in many cities, clean showers and basic hygiene remain inaccessible to the most vulnerable groups—urban residents without stable housing, travelers on the margins, and those consciously choosing sustainable living. City Shower® was founded to bridge this gap, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and health.
But City Shower doesn’t stop at providing showers. Through its Social Handprint 2024, the initiative demonstrates how its work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—transforming social value into measurable impact.
Measuring the Positive Impact
The Social Handprint translates City Shower’s contributions into monetary impact values, reflecting what society collectively saves—or would be willing to pay—for these outcomes.
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Total impact value: €20,000
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Impact compared to revenue (incl. subsidies & donations): 153%
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Impact per FTE (paid & volunteer): €14,000
This means City Shower generates more positive societal value than the financial resources it consumes—a powerful statement of purpose.
How City Shower Contributes to the SDGs
City Shower’s activities touch 11 of the 17 SDGs, proving that something as simple as a shower can ripple into systemic benefits:
SDG 1: No Poverty
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Financial awareness sessions and referrals improved self-reliance for 107 people.
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Distribution of essential goods supported basic needs.
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Impact value: €3,191
SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
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Referrals to healthcare and support services improved health outcomes for 20 people.
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Impact value: €3,112
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
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Provision of 15 m³ of clean drinking water contributed to healthier lifestyles.
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Impact value: €32
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
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Staff participation in decision-making strengthened inclusivity.
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Training provided 10 hours of work-related skills, enhancing employability.
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Impact value: €122
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
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Support with tuition and contributions boosted social participation.
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Impact value: €300
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
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Hosting discussions and debates increased social awareness for 30 participants.
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Impact value: €367
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
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Creative reuse of materials and sustainable procurement:
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€1,500 saved by creating new products from old materials.
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1,000 people reached with awareness on sustainable consumption.
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Fair-trade coffee and sustainable furniture purchases strengthened local and circular economies.
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Impact value: €2,450
SDG 13: Climate Action
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Climate education for 300 people.
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Creation of 5 m³ water storage to protect ecosystems.
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Impact value: €669
SDG 14: Life Below Water
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Awareness campaigns about marine life and water pollution reached 240 people.
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Impact value: €362
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
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Legal referrals improved access to justice for 3 individuals.
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Impact value: €81
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
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Collaboration with 4 partner organizations.
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740 hours of volunteer work.
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€6,450 in support for social organizations + €1,500 in discounts.
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Impact value: €8,694
Why This Matters
The Social Handprint shows that City Shower isn’t just about clean water—it’s about clean starts. By addressing multiple SDGs in an interconnected way, the initiative proves that small-scale, community-driven action can create systemic positive impact that outweighs its costs.
It highlights how partnerships, awareness, and sustainable choices amplify the effect of something as basic as a shower into broader well-being, justice, and climate action.
Looking Ahead
With the ambition to reach 35,000+ people, City Shower is scaling its mission of dignity, inclusion, and sustainability. The organization calls on citizens, municipalities, and businesses to join in partnership—because every extra shower doesn’t just clean bodies, it strengthens communities.