Fresh Start Laundry by Augusta Rescue Mission marks one year this month

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Local outreach organizations are making impacts on the lives of those here in Augusta, year-round. But it meant a little more once Hurricane Helene made landfall nearly three weeks ago.

This month marks one year since the Augusta Rescue Mission launched their “Fresh Start” laundry services and almost 1,000 washes to the date.

“With the hurricane, people were displaced, they weren’t able to communicate– the internet was down, the power was out, life still went on. And we wanted to be able to provide a service that we felt like was relevant and equally– there’s dignity that comes with being able tower clean clothes and have clean sheets. And so, for us, that was a really big to provide that to our clients,” Augusta Rescue Mission Executive Director Chris Jones said.

Last October Augusta Rescue Mission wanted to broaden the services they provide by making clean clothes accessible to those who may not have the chance. Fresh Start does just that, offering free laundry service to anybody who needs it.

“It’s very convenient, especially in times now when it’s kind of difficult to do a lot of things, and it’s very, very gratifying for me to help the community,” resident Kelvin Sullivan said.

Kelvin Sullivan is a resident with the Augusta Rescue Mission. He says he’s seen several people utilize the service.

“A lot of the times, when people come here, they need something. Anytime that you can offer a hand, it’s very gratifying and it’s nice to see people say thank you when they leave. Let’s you know that you’re doing a good job at what you’re trying to achieve.”

Executive Director Chris Jones says the free laundry service has helped several people in the community including those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“For this year, to date, we’ve had about a thousand loads of laundry already, and that number is counting. There’s an average of 12 to 15 loads a day and that’s a lot of laundry…,” Jones said.

“Anytime somebody needs a helping hand, Augusta Rescue Mission is here to help you where we can. And we offer some very good services– first and foremost, we have a spiritual hand that we can offer…,” Sullivan said.

If you’re someone in need of laundry services, you can sign up using their online booking schedule. Scan this QR code:

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