Mobile laundry service sees surging demand

A free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness is under increasing strain as demand for services dramatically increases.

Orange Sky Australia operates services in Mullumbimby, Lismore, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Tweed Heads, and Wardell, providing eight shifts per week across the region.

This year alone across the Northern Rivers region, the organisation has provided more than 1,110 loads of free laundry, over 104 safe, hot showers, and engaged in 789 hours of conversation and connection with people doing it tough.

Orange Sky co-founder and chief executive Lucas Patchett said the demand for their services is rapidly increasing, with the organisation seeing a 21 per cent increase in demand in the last financial year.

“We continue to see more and more people engage with our service, and other support organisations to make ends meet,” Mr Patchett said.

“We aren’t just seeing those who are experiencing homelessness and don’t have a safe place to sleep at night.

“We are seeing families, retirees, students, middle-aged women and even people with current employment coming to us for support.

“We are hearing countless stories from people who never thought they would be in the position of reaching out to support services just to get by, however the rise in cost of living, coupled with the housing crisis, has left many people with no other choice.”

Orange Sky Australia is currently recruiting volunteer fundraisers and hands-on volunteers to support people with washing their belongings, providing access to a warm shower, and connecting through non-judgemental conversations.

More details at orangesky.org.au