Not-for-profit Orange Sky has announced its expansion into Dunedin with a volunteer-run laundry pod at the Salvation Army’s Crawford St site, which will begin operation late this month.
Orange Sky national co-ordinator Emah Butler said for users, the pod’s impact extended beyond free washing and drying facilities.
‘‘I think knowing that they can come here, have a cup of tea, they can have a chat, have their laundry done — even if it’s just a few hours, they can have a conversation with someone and feel comfortable and feel seen,’’ Mrs Butler said.
‘‘I think it’s really important.’’
Local support providers had indicated a need for such facilities in the community, confirmed by census and housing deprivation data.
‘‘We’ll be here to welcome them, have a kōrero with them and to help them with their laundry.’’
Orange Sky’s partnership with the Salvation Army meant people could be connected to other services, such as housing support or foodbanks, if needed, Mrs Butler said.
About 12 people had volunteered to run the pod, which would operate between 11am and 1.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays from April 30.
If the need was there, the organisation could look to expand services, Mrs Butler said.
Those interested in volunteering could find more information on Orange Sky’s website, orangesky.org.nz
