Some of the best conversations happen in a laundromat! In Venice Beach, Calif., a group of individuals have used this concept to form a ministry. Laundry Love gathers once a month at a laundromat to assist the homeless and those in transitional housing with washing clothes.
The washing machines, dryers, detergent and water are supplied by the ministry at no cost to those who will partake. It is mission provided in a unique way outside the doors of the church and into the community. The idea of the ministry is to reach people in the community, who may not attend a traditional church to share the gospel with them, pray for them and serve them, while offering spiritual encouragement as they are washing their clothes.
Everyone is invited to participate, but especially those who may not otherwise have the means to clean their clothes. It’s an opportunity to build community and relationships. And, with a maximum of 600 loads of laundry cleaned each month by the ministry, this not only benefits the guests, but the business owner, too. According to the Episcopal Church Building Fund, Laundry Love is building the church from the inside by developing connections and sharing the love of God with those in need.
The call of Laundry Love is to make a love-spreading difference in the community and beyond. Volunteers come in, roll up their sleeves and show the love of God while engaging people at their point of need.
Laundry Love believes that washing machines and dryers may provoke serious conversations and bring people together.
Information provided by the Episcopal Church Building Fund