For most people, access to clean clothes is easy. For others, it's not. A family may have housing without a washer and dryer, and limited income may place a burden on spending, usually prioritizing food, rent and utilities. But other circumstances factor in.
"It's a real public issue," said Robert Frazier, executive director for Clean Slate Advocates, a nonprofit he started in September 2023 which has a Soap to Hope initiative to provide laundry services to those in need. "The inspiration came from seeing firsthand the tremendous need in our community – especially during and after crises such as the derecho." That June 2023 storm caused millions of dollars in damage and days without electricity making even basic necessities, like doing laundry, nearly impossible.
"In response to this urgent need," stated Ward 5 Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, "I partnered with Springfield Clinic to launch a special three-day initiative to meet the need. Together, we provided free, unlimited laundry services to residents across our city through All in One Laundry. This effort was more than just clean clothes. It was about restoring dignity and offering relief during an incredibly stressful time."
"All in One Laundry's Soap to Hope program was instrumental in making this possible," Purchase continued. "Their commitment to being a community-first business allowed us to serve hundreds of families at no cost to them. I'm proud to have collaborated with organizations that step up in moments that matter, and I'm grateful to Springfield Clinic for answering the call with compassion and action. This initiative is a testament to what's possible when leaders, businesses and community partners work together to meet critical needs head-on."
Zach Kerker, Springfield Clinic's chief brand and advocacy officer, recalled, "It was an opportunity for us to make a meaningful, immediate impact. We often take simple things, like having clean clothes for work, for granted until those things are suddenly out of reach. That's what makes the Soap to Hope program such a valuable community resource. While our primary responsibility is to help restore health, especially during times of crisis, being able to help restore dignity to more than 700 families by partnering with Soap to Hope – providing laundry services while the power was out – was just as rewarding."
"All In One Laundry Center & Services was already serving as a resource for people who had nowhere else to turn for clean clothes and linens," said Frazier. "But it quickly became clear that the need was bigger than any one business could meet, especially for those with limited or no financial means. That's why we created Clean Slate Advocates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to address this essential, often overlooked need on a larger scale, and to make sure everyone – no matter their circumstances – has access to clean laundry and the dignity that comes with it."
The greatest challenge, Frazier said, is ongoing funding. "The need far outweighs the resources available, and we're constantly working to secure grants, donations and partnerships to keep the doors open and the machines running. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact on people's lives – watching someone walk out with clean clothes and a renewed sense of dignity or hearing from a parent that their child feels more confident at school because they have fresh uniforms."
According to Julia Cave, city of Springfield operations coordinator in the Office of Planning and Economic Development, Clean Slate Advocates was awarded a $32,000 reimbursable grant in March of this year. "This award was funded through HUD's Community Development Block Grant that allocates funds to the city to support programs such as Soap to Hope. The funding was provided to assist the organization with the cost of a full-time community care coordinator and to help cover the cost of soap, dryer sheets and bags. Clean Slate Advocates is currently receiving reimbursements for eligible expenses," Cave said.
Clean Slate Advocates also received a $5,000 grant from the King's Daughters Organization. However, Robert Frazier said a $50,000 grant from the Springfield Police Department has not come to fruition yet.
"With these resources," he said, "we would be able to significantly expand our capacity and impact. This funding from the city would allow us to cover rising utility costs and provide vital support for the staff and volunteers who keep our operations running smoothly. These funds would help us continue our workforce development initiatives, as well as expand our outreach and educational programs assuring that we not only meet immediate needs but also empower individuals and families for the future."
For example, Frazier said a young man, who was unemployed and without a home, was referred to them by the Department of Employment Security. "Through Soap to Hope, he not only got access to clean his clothes but also connected with job resources and eventually secured employment with All In One Laundry and is working toward stable housing. He is now helping others in similar situations. His story is a testament to how a simple act – like doing laundry – can be the first step toward a new life."
Caseworkers and others have sent many people to them for services. "I don't know of any agency, group or sector of the community that we don't support," said Frazier. "We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received so far, but the need continues to grow. We're always looking for new partners, volunteers and supporters to join us in this mission. Clean laundry might seem small, but it's a foundation for health, dignity and hope."
For more information and how to help visit https://csanfp.org.
