ROCHESTER — The city, through its Welfare Department, will begin implementing free laundry services for the unhoused population.
"It is not the answer to ending homelessness by any means," said welfare director Todd Marsh. "It's a prong in a multi-prong process. My hope is that this can serve as a model for other communities."
Marsh said Rochester successfully modeled its commitment to the city's homeless when it created a community outreach position, hiring Erin Nasino in 2022.
"I think this is part of a broader message, of collaboration, of finding common ground," Marsh said. "Laundry is a good initiative. It has both short- and long-term impacts."
Marsh said the city has a separate line in their budget for homeless services, similar but different, and in addition to the usual general assistance lines in a city budget. Marsh said general assistance is used to meet legal obligations such as rental and utility assistance, while homeless services can be used more directly.
How Rochester's laundry program will work
The program will begin with the distribution of 100 single-use laundry cards throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.
"Clean clothes can contribute to better lives," Marsh said. "It can increase their chances of getting a job or making a better impression with landlords. Plus it just helps them feel better about themselves with clean clothing. Clean dry clothing and bedding can improve health, can minimize bacterial infections."
Referrals for fixed amount laundry cards of standard or large loads will be made through designated agencies that work with people experiencing homelessness. Individuals seeking laundry assistance will complete a one-page information form provided by the referring agency, report they are primarily homeless in Rochester, and unable to afford laundry services. The referring agency will also confirm the applicant’s homelessness is in Rochester and ensure the laundry card is used for its intended purpose by observing the first laundry cycle start-up.
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“We aim to be flexible with those in need while mitigating unintended misuse of the laundry cards,” said Marsh. “We need to be mindful of our intended purpose and accountable to the taxpayers who fund this initiative.”
“Collaborative and diverse efforts will allow our state to lead the way toward greater self-sufficiency for individuals with unique needs, while remaining cost-effective for taxpayers,” said Marsh. “Humane and cost-effective solutions are not mutually exclusive.”
Tri-Cities have worked for years to address homelessness
In May 2019, the Tri-Cities of Rochester, Dover, and Somersworth accepted the Tri-City Mayors ’Joint Task Force on Homelessness Master Plan. In 2021, the New Hampshire Council on Housing Stability was tasked with developing and implementing a plan to create maximum housing stability for all residents.
“I continue to have discussions with other municipal welfare departments throughout the state about thinking differently,” said Marsh. "A good example of increasing innovative efforts is the city of Dover’s developing shower program for the unhoused.”
Todd Marsh has served as director of Rochester City Welfare for 16 years, is the president of the New Hampshire Local Welfare Administrators Association and serves on the Governor’s Council on Housing Stability Task Force’s Homelessness Workgroup. He is a former director of the Homeless Center for Strafford County and has held various public service roles, including on the Somersworth City Council and School Board.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester to provide free laundry cards to homeless, hopes to serve as 'model'
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