Orange Sky Laundry
Australia's first mobile laundry for the homeless, operating custom-fitted vans with onboard washing machines and dryers to offer a free laundry service for people living on the street.
Orange Sky Laundry is Australia's first mobile laundry for the homeless, operating custom-fitted vans with onboard washing machines and dryers to offer a free laundry service for people living on the street. The Orange Sky team also connect their homeless friends with employment opportunities, including positions in their warehouse and via small commercial laundry contracts. Perhaps most importantly, the Orange Sky team engages in (literally) thousands of hours of positive and genuine discourse with community members in need: listening, learning and offering a friendly hand.
2016 Pitch
Funds raised: $37,552
In June 2016, Orange Sky Laundry pitched at The Funding Network's Brisbane event and raised $37,552 to extend pathways to employment for other homeless individuals just like Gail.
The impact...
Gail had been homeless on the streets of San Francisco for 28 years where she succumbed to drugs & alcohol and was later diagnosed with the aids virus. With help, she managed to save enough money to make her way to Brisbane, which is where, in late 2016, she met Orange Sky Laundry
Orange Sky and Gail built a relationship characterised by trust and the mobile laundry team was eventually able to offer her some casual work, washing and drying uniforms for a local soccer club. Although clearly her health remains unwell, today Gail is safe, able to look forward and no longer homeless. You can meet Gail here...
With the funds received, Orange Sky has provided eight of its homeless friends with an average of 4 hours per week over the past 10 months. This is work experience and employment opportunities that may not have otherwise been available to a person who is homeless and through which there is the chance to acquire real skills, build confidence and earn a place with Orange Sky as a valued and respected team member. Orange Sky's Warehouse Manager (who transitioned out of homelessness himself through the Orange Sky employment) supervises casual employees and manages the relationship with the customer.
Orange Sky will continue to build the numbers employed casually in its commercial washing contracts as work-loads increase - with the ultimate aim of seeing these friends transition into stable, meaningful and long-term employment and a life off the street.
Read their Impact Report
Learn more about Orange Sky Laundry.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals:
