Community
17 July, 2024
Free laundry service will help those doing it tough in Mount Isa
Orange Sky has brought a permanent service to the North West.
A mobile laundry truck will be a permanent fixture in Mount Isa as social service providers collaborate to tackle cost of living pressures and health issues associated with homelessness.
The Orange Sky remote laundry vehicle was officially launched at the Riverbed Action Group Outreach and Support Service (RAGOSS) Burke Street Shed on Monday with a steady stream of people lining up to refresh their clothes and bed linen.
The launch follows a successful two-week trial in March that saw laundry shifts having to be extended to more than 12 hours to meet the overwhelming demand for the services.
Research indicates that rough sleepers who lacked reliable access to washing facilities face higher rates of dermatologic conditions, such as acne, scabies, and skin infections, compared to the general population.
Ongoing exposure to skin infection has been linked to the development of renal disease and rheumatic heart disease later in life.
North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services founder Father Mick Lowcock, who was among those who brought Orange Sky to Mount Isa, said the vehicle would also provide a free laundry option to those who did not own a washing machine or dryer at their home or struggled to meet the rising power costs associated with operating white goods.
Community service providers hope to use the bright orange solar-powered vehicle, which is fitted with three washing machines and three dryers, as a meeting point to engage with individuals and families requiring broader support.
RAGOSS manager Sally Shore said the March trial saw some families reach out for help while waiting for their washing cycle to complete, which enabled social workers to assist with drug and alcohol counselling and DV support.
“People often feel a lot of shame about their situation and so they don’t reach out for help about their specific issues,” she told North West Weekly.
“But this laundry service is a safe space for people to start a conversation.”
Community members can access the free Orange Sky laundry service van on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am to 9.30am at RAGOSS, Burke Street; Mondays from 10am to 2pm at Yallambee and Thursdays from 9am to 12pm at Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre, Short Street, Pioneer.
There could be additional times and locations added to the service if required in the future.
The operators are currently looking for a local business that could provide assistance with servicing the vehicle.