THE SCIENCE
BEHIND OUR CARE

At Rinse & Rise Spa Ministries, our approach is grounded in research and a deep understanding of human needs. From hygiene care to empowerment initiatives, our services are backed by evidence to ensure lasting impact.

Discover the science behind what we do and why it matters.

No child says... "When I grow up, I want to be homeless!"

Embracing humanity & lasting solutions

As Claudine Sipili, who experienced homelessness herself, said, “Embracing humanity in our approach is key to finding lasting solutions for homelessness and fostering a society where everyone is seen, understood, and supported.” Building trust and creating a sense of belonging from day one is essential to helping individuals break free from the cycle of homelessness.

Holistic healthcare is a form of medicine that treats the "whole person"—addressing not only the physical needs but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being of individuals. According to the American Nursing Association (ANA), holistic care integrates the body, mind, spirit, and social principles to promote health and well-being. This approach has been proven to increase patient satisfaction, improve care adherence, and enhance overall well-being in healthcare settings. Hospitals and research centers affiliated with institutions like Duke, Yale, and Johns Hopkins have adopted holistic therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, animal-assisted therapy (dogs), and spiritual support, with patients experiencing reduced stress, better mental health, and improved physical outcomes.

Given its success in the healthcare industry, it's only logical to ask: Why can't we extend this type of care to our unhoused community? Holistic care doesn't just treat ailments; it treats the whole person, preventing disease and promoting long-term well-being. Science supports the inclusion of therapies like massage, animal companionship, and faith as holistic care components. For example, studies have shown that dogs can reduce anxiety and provide emotional support, and spiritual services can increase hope, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Many hospitals offer these services, which have proven to be effective in improving overall well-being and recovery. If these holistic care approaches work in hospitals, why not apply the same principles to expedite the engagement of unhoused individuals in outreach programs?

But Why Holistic Care for the Unhoused?

Unique challenges require a paradigm shift in approach

The homeless population faces unique challenges—high rates of depression, psychosis, and addiction, often exacerbated by a life lived on the streets. Studies show that unhoused individuals are up to seven times more likely to experience mental health issues compared to the general population. This not only affects their quality of life but also makes them less receptive to outreach efforts. The traditional approach often meets unhoused individuals at a distance—whether at curbsides or through brief interactions—leaving emotional and spiritual needs unaddressed.

Holistic care could drastically reduce the time it takes for these individuals to engage. By treating them as whole people—acknowledging their trauma, mental health needs, and spiritual voids—we can help break the cycle of disengagement. Much like how holistic medicine improves outcomes for patients with chronic conditions in healthcare, the same humanizing care can foster trust and receptiveness among the homeless community much more quickly than current outreach methods.

Immediate Impact

Intrinsic values meeting communal extrinsic returns

Unhoused individuals, much like patients in healthcare settings, often feel dehumanized, invisible, and unworthy of care. Through the holistic approach at Rinse & Rise Spa Ministries, we can offer comprehensive care that fosters a sense of dignity, trust, and belonging. Instead of waiting months or years for engagement, we can create immediate connections by addressing their full range of needs. Holistic care allows us to meet people where they are—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Incorporating elements like massages, dog therapy and faith-based services can provide a sense of companionship and hope that is often missing in their daily lives. It is through this care that individuals begin to feel valued, and it is this feeling of value that will encourage them to take the first steps toward stability and wellness.

Proven Success in Healthcare

Holistic Care Isn't Just Hospital Jargon

In healthcare settings, holistic care has improved patient satisfaction, increased adherence to care plans, and elevated overall well-being. For example, research shows that holistic care has reduced symptoms of depression and agitation among individuals with dementia, while also improving their quality of life. Patients with acute coronary syndrome who received person-centered care reported higher self-efficacy, meaning they were more likely to follow through with care plans and participate in their own health journey. Massage therapies, Animal-assisted therapy and faith-based services have been particularly successful in reducing anxiety, fostering a sense of community, and improving mental health in various healthcare settings.

If hospitals can transform patient outcomes through holistic care, there’s no reason why the same principles can’t be applied to outreach programs for the unhoused. What works in healthcare can work for homelessness.

The Power of Humanizing Care

With the help of furry friends along the way

At Rinse & Rise Spa Ministries, we are committed to applying these proven principles to help unhoused individuals find not just temporary relief, but long-lasting transformation. We believe in the power of humanizing care, in seeing each individual as a whole person, and in meeting them with love, compassion, and dignity. Whether it's through a simple spa day, animal companionship, or through deeper, ongoing care that includes faith-based services, we offer more than services—we offer hope, trust, and a second chance.

If holistic healthcare can treat chronic pain, prevent diseases, and foster well-being, imagine what it can do for an individual who has been on the streets, feeling dehumanized and forgotten. The same principles that work in hospitals—meeting people where they are, treating the whole person, and providing culturally respectful, personalized care—can expedite the process of helping individuals off the streets and into stability.

Holistic care has already proven itself in one of the most challenging sectors: healthcare. By extending this model to the unhoused, we can meet the unmet need in outreach programs—helping individuals become receptive to care more quickly and fostering meaningful, lasting change. The holistic model is not just about addressing physical needs; it is about restoring the whole person—and this is the future we envision at Rinse & Rise Spa Ministries.