The Laundry Project is marking 22 years of providing free laundry services and supplies to residents in Leelanau county. Since its inception in 2004, the initiative has focused on helping families and individuals manage the high costs of maintaining clean clothes.
The program provides laundry supplies with no questions asked to anyone seeking assistance. Project organizers estimate that a single load of laundry costs between $6 and $10, an expense that often competes with rent and food costs for low-income households.
The project began after an employee with the Department of Human Services attended a conference and learned about a similar model in another location. Sharon Vreeland, the Laundry Project coordinator, said they brought the idea back to the region and raised the initial funds to launch the local chapter. The initiative has relied on a group of volunteers for over two decades.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the project operated on a budget of approximately $14,000. It served 925 individuals from 91 unique families across the two-county area. Vreeland noted that the service is intended to help people maintain their dignity and professional appearance. “And we don’t want people maybe going to school in dirty clothes or, you know, trying to get a job maybe and not having something clean to wear,” Vreeland said.
Demographics for the families served show a wide range of needs within the community. According to project data, 43% of participating households include someone over age 60, while 35% include children. Additionally, 40% of the families are already enrolled in services through the Department of Human Services and 30% of households have a member with a disability.
For residents like Delores Witkowski, the project provides a critical resource during times of unexpected hardship. Witkowski began using the services after experiencing a mishap at her home that coincided with her washing machine breaking. She said the program provides necessary laundry items and that the organizers are familiar with other local resources for those who might need assistance in different areas. Witkowski said the support is helpful while she manages other rising household expenses.