Genius Laundromat Van Washes Homeless People's Clothes for Free

From Good Housekeeping

The next time you're tempted to complain about laundry day, take a minute to think about life without clean clothes. It seems like a small part of your routine, but a fresh wardrobe is actually essential for working, or even interacting with other people. That's where the Australian non-profit Orange Sky Laundry comes in.

Two years ago, best friends Lucas Patchett and Nicholas Marchesi set out to help the homeless community with an invention of their own design: a mobile laundromat capable of washing hundreds of loads every week. Their first orange van, "Sudsy," cost around $100,000, but its instant impact drew tons of attention - and donations. The fleet soon expanded to six vans that roam the country six days a week, helping not only the homeless but also victims of natural disasters.

Their biggest impact, however, might not be the clean clothes but helping people in need feel less isolated. In a touching story, Marchesi told The Guardian:

"We were in Logan (an outer suburb of Brisbane), trialling the service for the first time. I met Grant, who was in his early thirties. He had to beg for clothes from op shops [charity shops] or sometimes washed his clothes in the river. After handing back his clean laundry, he told me that he hadn't spoken to another human being in three days. That's when I was reminded of the power of conversation ... I'll never forget it."

To learn more about Orange Sky or to donate to their cause, visit their website.

[h/t takepart]