frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of hosting a Laundry Love Project in our area?
In addition to providing a service to those that are struggling financially, Laundry Love Projects are a great way to begin friendships and network with those within your own city. Laundry Love Projects offer time to engage in meaningful conversations both with others who are committed to the
project, as well as those that benefit from your care and concern.

 

Where should we host a Laundry Love Project?
It is best to choose the most convenient laundromat for those that are using the
service. It should be within walking distance for guests with transportation restrictions as well as providing an adequate number of working
machines and a restroom facilities.

 

How should we approach a Laundromat owner?
Approach the owner of the facility directly at one of the laundromats you would like to adopt for your Laundry Love Project.

· Begin by explaining who you are and who you represent (group, community effort, faith community, student organization, et al).

· Share how your group would like to host an evening, perhaps, initially once a month to start with to wash clothes for the working poor in your city.

· Stress that your group will finance the
project and that the laundromat will benefit from the business and the advertising. Assure them that you and your group will be present for the entire duration of the event. Discuss with the owner/manager about their business days and times that might be the least intrusive and explain that the Laundry Love Project does not want to interfere with their regulars.

· Be sure to leave the laundromat owner/manager your contact information.

In addition, you may want to think about:

· Partnering with a tutoring program to come and tutor the children of your guests you care for during the event.

· Working with a student nursing program or local medical personnel to come in and give basic medical care.
· Setting up wi-fi access for those you serve to read their email and explore for job and housing placements.

· Other agencies in your area who might become participants and advocate for you during your LLP.

 

How should we advertise our Laundry Love Project?
JustOne has created LLP door hangers both in English and Spanish (and soon to be in other languages) that allow for you to write in the location and time for your LLP. You can place these door hangers on motels doors, in shelters, or place them at other social agencies in your cities. You can order these door hangers at www.just4one.org.

 

What materials will our Laundry Love Project require?
We recommend a team of at least 4. You will need pens and paper to create a logbook which helps calculate how many attended and how much is spent (Download a sample at www.just4one.org).You will need a large bucket of powdered detergent (liquid soap is not recommended as it gets a little messy). Lastly, setup a station where you can pass out detergent and allow for participants to check-in. Of course, you will need lots of quarters!

 

How long is a typical Laundry Love Project session?
It typically runs for 2 hours, but it depends on the amount of people participating. Start exactly on time advertised and explain to the guests that the last load must go in a half-hour before the session ends. Of course, be hospitable to the laundromat staff and remember to be mindful of the hour the laundromat begins its closing process.

 

How should we structure the evening?
Once you arrive, set up the station for your detergent and check-in. You may want to help your guests sign in as some may have literacy challenges and may find this process embarrassing. Welcome the guests to load their laundry into the machine(s) of their choice and to use the detergent provided by you. Once the machines are loaded, administer the quarters as necessary. Once a load is finished, guide the guests to load their clothes into the dryers and again, go to each machine and administer the quarters.

 

How many loads should a guest be allowed to wash?
This entirely depends on the group sponsoring the LLP, the money you have, and the amount of people making use of the service. There is no need to make a hard rule; things can change from month to month.

 

How can we finance LLP?
For help thinking about how to finance your LLP, see the “Creative Ideas” on the back of this guide. For media downloads including stickers, door hangers log sheets, links and sample letters to laundromats, check out www.just4one.org.

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