FINDLAY, Ohio — A laundry facility to help those in need will open at St. Andrew's Church annex in Findlay on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
"We are prepared," volunteer Susan Freel said about prepping for the facility.
Susan and Jim Freel have been working for the past three years to get this program started.
While they are willing to help anyone who comes through the door, they hope to reach the homeless population in Hancock County.
"The goal is, hopefully, to find moms and dads who are living in tents, living in cars, and they'll come here and at least have clean duds for them," Susan said.
As of now, they can wash 10 loads of laundry during the days the facility on 214 W. Sandusky St. is open — Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — and they're partnering with the City Mission of Findlay to help staff the facility.
"It also gives us a touchpoint, hopefully, to move these people into the continuum of care," said Kathryn Bausman, executive director of the Findlay City Mission.
She said they hope the facility also helps those who just can't afford to clean their clothes.
"With just making ends meet, trying to keep a roof over your head, doing laundry can be expensive," Bausman said. "We're hoping that that will also help that population."
Jim said the project cost $50,000 to get off the ground and it will also cost over $15,000 a year to keep it up and running.
But they've gotten a lot of help so far, he said. They've raised money through grants, charities and the church. Whirlpool helped supply the brand-new equipment and P&G donated all of the washing supplies.
"It's been a community affair," Jim said. "Without their help, this would not have been able to get off the ground."
Every family will be allowed to do two loads of laundry each visit.