Charity Emmaus opens community laundrette to help with cost of living
How charity Emmaus is helping those struggling with the cost of living crisis wash their clothes…
The cost of living crisis has forced many of us to consider the humble washing machine like never before. It’s the second-biggest household energy-guzzler according to home emergency cover provider Homebase (top billing goes to the dishwasher), costing 14% of a typical energy bill, around £168 a year. As these household costs rise, there have also been countless articles on washing machine hacks (running machines later in the day, washing at a later temperature and stopping doing small daily washes is some of the advice offered).
To help people who struggling to wash their clothes – whether they own a washing machine or not – homelessness charity Emmaus is launching Lucie’s Laundry next Tuesday [28 February], a free community launderette in South Shields, Tyneside. The community launderette will run three days a week with customers pre-booking slots beforehand.
Lucie’s Laundry will be operated by staff and others being supported by the charity’s Emmaus North East community. The launderette will also double as a warm space for those that need it, offering free hot drinks and a computer to use.
Some charity partners have also made Lucie’s Laundry possible. Household products giant Procter & Gamble has donated six washing machines, while Riverside Housing has provided the building free of charge and will be paying the utility bills.
Emmaus North East is one of 30 Emmaus communities across the UK. The charity opened its first UK community 32 years ago, having been founded by priest Abbé Pierre in Paris in 1949 after he was inspired to start a campaign to help the city’s homeless population after finding shelter for an ex-convict who attempted suicide by throwing himself in the river Seine. Today, Emmaus UK currently supports more than 850 people who have experienced homelessness.
The Emmaus North East community is based in North Shields and currently supports up to 22 people who have experienced homelessness (who Emmaus refer to as ‘companions’). These companions not only receive a bed for the night, but they are also helped to get back on their feet by working in social enterprises such as house clearances, stock collections, charity shops or making items from recycled wood in Emmaus’s workshop.
Emmaus has “recognised the need for warm spaces to be created due to the cost of living crisis and have listened to the community around us,” says Ruth Parker, chief executive of Emmaus North East. “People will be able to book appointments to clean and dry their laundry free of charge and also join us for a hot drink whilst they are there. We are hoping this makes a real difference to the people in South Tyneside and demonstrates Emmaus North East’s commitment to solidarity and making a difference in the local area.”
Lucie’s Laundry will open on 28 February at 430 Dean Road, South Shields, NE33 5LP.
Opening hours are 10am-4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Customers can pre-book slots from today [Friday 24 February].