Laundry Love

One load of laundry. One pocket of change. One cup of soap. Many changed lives.

 

For those living below the poverty line, washing clothes presents both a logistical problem and a financial hardship. From a conversation with a local houseless friend in Ventura, California, who conveyed this basic need, Laundry Love was birthed. Laundry Love Projects (LLP) partner with local laundry mats in cleaning the clothes of those living in shelters, motels, cars, garages, and on the streets with donated quarters and soap. It is our mission to take Laundromats and convert them into hubs of relief, granting reprieve to those living in oppressive poverty through aid in education, basic medical care, and assistance in job and housing placement (transitional and/or permanent).

In an effort to find an effective and creative means for generating awareness and continued relief for the hundreds of
men, women and children suffering in our cities, the gumball machine was employed. One quarter buys a gumball and this one quarter goes directly to one of many Laundromats hosting the Laundry Love project.

Thanks to a few gumball machines to raise quarters, Laundromats and friends, countless loads of laundry have been washed for scores of individuals and families in the company of people who care. We hope to place gumball machines countywide, allowing for a city to unite in the caring of one another.

This video was done by our friend Jesse Giglio, who filmed at the Laundromat on Olive Street in Ventura, California, where this whole thing began:

Join in starting one of your own in your city.

» Contact a laundromat to see if you can arrange a day, once a month, to bring invite people to get their clothes washed.
» Collect quarters to bring to the laundromat. You will have to figure out the loads you will do each time you meet that will determine how many coins you need.
» Get the soap. Discount stores or bulk retailers offer good deals on soap. You might try to get soap donated to make it a cost-free operation
» Get the word out! The street family tend to spread news fast. Take advantage of this.
» Make sure you show up at the time you tell people to be there. Chances are high that they will be there early and waiting on you.
» Take time to make friends and build relationship. Really spend time getting to know those who attend.

For more information, check out JustOne.