Constantine Launderette, HOPE to celebrate first year of free laundry program
To mark the milestone, a celebration will be held Friday, March 7, from noon to 6 p.m. at Constantine Launderette.
Constantine Launderette, a family-owned small business, and nonprofit Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday (HOPE) are celebrating the first anniversary of their Loads of Love free laundry program. The initiative has provided clean laundry to more than 500 people in Constantine and St. Joseph County, according to organizers.
To mark the milestone, a celebration will be held Friday, March 7, from noon to 6 p.m. at Constantine Launderette, 1020 S. Washington St. in Constantine. The event will feature free food from Weenie Kings of Three Rivers and distributions of household essentials, including tarps, blankets, baby food and toothpaste.
The Loads of Love program is sponsored by HOPE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting unhoused individuals and providing affordable housing for low-income and “extremely” low-income residents. Over the past year, the program funded 441 washes and 507 dries, totaling $2,073 — all covered by community donations.
“I’m amazed at the success of our first year,” HOPE Director Casey Tobias said. “Clean laundry is essential for everyone, from kids going to school to adults going to work.”
Kim Anderson-Solis, co-owner of Constantine Launderette, highlighted the program’s impact.
“We are thrilled to continue this program with HOPE,” Anderson-Solis said. “We are honored to host these events and blessed to give back. The joy and dignity it provides is beautiful to be a part of.”
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