Laundromat Ministry

Steps

• Advertise this service opportunity at your church.
• Decide how long and how often you be doing this ministry. Consider doing it in the weekend mornings (11am-2pm) or evenings (5pm-8pm) when traffic may be higher. If you can do it for a few consecutive weeks, you might be able to build relationships with the regulars there.
• Collect supplies. You will plenty of quarters. Each load at the laundromat can cost $0.75-$1.50. Ask your congregation to help fund this outreach. Set a place in your church to collect weekly pocket change and/or laundry detergent. Other supplies you may need are:
  • Crayons and coloring sheets
  • Grab bag with toys for children
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer Sheets
  • Refreshments like baked goods and coffee
  • Materials about your church for those who are interested
• Seek permission from the owner of the laundromat to set up your outreach there for a day. It is also helpful to ask the owner about who the regular clients are, as you may need to recruit Spanish speakers.
• At the laundromat, greet people as they come in. Offer to pay for the laundry and fold laundry. Have the supply of detergent and dryer sheets readily available.
• Spend time with those who are open to talking. Find out their needs and ask if they would like you to pray with/for them.

Tips

• Wear shirts that can identify you and the volunteers as a group.
• You can even bring some of your own laundry to do. Some people may perceive you as looking down on them, and this helps you identify with the people there.
• Be careful about giving out your personal contact information.