Sköna Case Studies | Lava Mae Website

In a city that seems to be fighting an insurmountable homeless problem, the founder of Lava Mae saw a need that none had recognized. Being homeless also means having no access to showers and sanitation. It might sound like a small issue, but it’s significant when it comes to dignity. For Lava Mae, it’s about fundamental human rights. The organization turned old buses into mobile hygiene stations serving people in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

our challenge – Lava Mae needed a website that could serve multiple audiences: donors, volunteers, and more importantly, clients; people who need to access the services.

approach

We set out to design a website that felt just as caring and approachable as the brand. First, we transitioned it to a fluid, mobile-friendly experience that supports clients and teams out in the field. Second, we used design to emphasize the human, warm, and welcoming aspects of the brand. The result is a website that elevates the brand while treating clients with respect and dignity.

results

With the website as a hub, Lava Mae launched its mobile hygiene service in June of 2014 and has since then provided 14,000+ showers to 2,400 people moving through homelessness. The site has also helped to inspire replication of its hygiene services across the country and dramatically raised awareness about the lack of access to showers and basic hygiene across the U.S. and around the globe

Web design
UI/UX
Development

With the website as a hub, Lava Mae has provided 14,000+ showers to 2,400 people moving through homelessness.

from transportation to transformation

Through the website, Lava Mae has been able to reach more homeless clients and increase the awareness of the growing organization. In 2017, founder Doniece Sandoval was named a CNN Hero for her work.