SEATTLE — King County has deployed a new mobile shower unit, aiming to help provide essential hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness across the region. The new trailer is equipped with clean water, sinks, toilets and showers to give people a safe and private place to clean up and reduce the risk of developing illnesses and infections.

At first, the trailer will focus on Seattle, Renton and Kent, with plans to expand visits elsewhere in the county later in the year.

“The ability to bathe is basic to human dignity, and something most of us are fortunate to be able to take for granted,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said Thursday. “The launch of this mobile shower with our partners at Clean the World gives people the chance to feel refreshed, gain confidence, and live healthy lives.”

According to the county, the trailer contains four separate stalls, each equipped with a sink, toilet, shower and dressing area. One stall was designed to meet standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act and includes a baby changing station. Officials said each stall is fully sanitized after each use, and the trailer can provide up to 250 showers per week. Visitors will also get a hygiene kit with soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a towel.

Participating host sites will also offer visitors other services, including evaluations for mental health or substance abuse, along with food assistance, job placement training and housing help.

Hours and locations will vary by the day, with the first visit planned in April at Steve Cox Memorial Park, followed by the Old Renton Chamber of Commerce. The county purchased the trailer with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan.