'The dignity of clean clothing.' Akron hosts free laundry day for residents

Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal
·1 min read
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Akron residents arriving to the Super Clean Laundromat Thursday night didn't need to pull out soap or change.

The city hosted its third Tumble Together Thursday at the laundromat at 1739 Brittain Road, where residents were able to do two free loads of laundry. The event has helped more than 50 families do over 100 loads of laundry.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and others from his administration were on site to assist with the program, which was made possible through grant funding from ServeOhio, the state's commission on service and volunteerism. The city has partnered with the Summit County Continuum of Care to help run and promote these events.

“We’ve seen a real need for these free washing and drying events in our communities,” Malik said in a release about the program. “Not everyone has access to a washer or dryer in their home or apartment and when you’re on a tight budget, clean laundry can become a luxury. I believe everyone deserves the dignity of clean clothing and I thank ServeOhio for their initial grant funding which made this program possible. We are now looking into how we can keep providing this service on a more permanent basis."

Denico Buckley-Knight, youth opportunity strategist for the city, right, helps Akron residents with their laundry during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat on Brittain Road.
Denico Buckley-Knight, youth opportunity strategist for the city, right, helps Akron residents with their laundry during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat on Brittain Road.
Mayor Shammas Malik, right, carries in laundry for Akron residents during the Tumble Together Thursday event at Super Clean Laundromat on Thursday.
Mayor Shammas Malik, right, carries in laundry for Akron residents during the Tumble Together Thursday event at Super Clean Laundromat on Thursday.
A city representative puts quarters in a washing machine for a resident during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat Thursday. The community event, which provides Akron residents with two free loads of laundry, was made possible through grant funding from ServeOhio.
A city representative puts quarters in a washing machine for a resident during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat Thursday. The community event, which provides Akron residents with two free loads of laundry, was made possible through grant funding from ServeOhio.
City representatives were on hand Thursday to help Akron residents wash their clothes during a free laundry event at Super Clean Laundromat. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said he is looking into making the event a more regular occurrence.
City representatives were on hand Thursday to help Akron residents wash their clothes during a free laundry event at Super Clean Laundromat. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said he is looking into making the event a more regular occurrence.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, left, tries to get the attention of Javiontae Bitting Jr. as he and his dad, Javiontae Sr., pose for Lanijah Hamilton, right, as she takes a photo during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat on Thursday.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, left, tries to get the attention of Javiontae Bitting Jr. as he and his dad, Javiontae Sr., pose for Lanijah Hamilton, right, as she takes a photo during Tumble Together Thursday at Super Clean Laundromat on Thursday.
Akron residents toss their clothes into dryers during a free laundry event hosted by the city at Super Clean Laundromat on Brittain Road Thursday.
Akron residents toss their clothes into dryers during a free laundry event hosted by the city at Super Clean Laundromat on Brittain Road Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron hosts free laundry event for residents; mayor hopes to have more