Dear Friends,

I want to share with you the story of how The Laundry Truck came to be—a journey that's deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

In 2017, I embarked on a mission, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. My career in the fashion industry had been rewarding, but there was a growing sense within me that I could use my skills and passion to address a pressing issue in our community.

As I walked the streets of our city, and spent time volunteering with the mobile showers, I couldn't ignore the stark reality that access to clean clothes was a luxury that many of us take for granted. I witnessed the guests of The Shower of Hope taking a shower, enjoying the simple but transformative experience of a warm shower, only to have to step back into their dirty clothes. It struck me that this basic necessity was out of reach for those experiencing homelessness and facing economic hardship. The dignity and self-esteem that come with clean clothes was not accessible to them. 

That's when the idea of The Laundry Truck started to take shape. I envisioned a mobile laundry service that could provide clean clothes and restore a sense of dignity to those in need. But I knew I couldn't do it alone. I turned to the generosity of our community through private donations, and the response was overwhelming. So many individuals and organizations rallied behind our cause, believing in the power of clean laundry to transform lives.

In January 2019, we took our first steps, quite literally, with 5 sets of washers & dryers, a folding station, a water heater, and propane tanks on a 16' trailer. Operating initially just twice a week, we made a significant impact, estimating 3,000-4,000 loads of laundry for those in need that year.

But we didn't stop there. With unwavering support from the City of Los Angeles and countless others, our small initiative has grown into something much larger. By January 2021, we had expanded to two trucks and a dedicated team working tirelessly, providing clean laundry every day, seven days a week, including night shifts. We now have our third trailer, giving us more capacity to serve schools, parks, shelters, churches, motels, and other locations around our city, touching the lives of those experiencing homelessness and washing an astounding 100,000-150,000 lbs per year. We’ll have washed approx. 325,000 lbs of laundry by the end of 2023. 

Accessible personal care services, like clean laundry, have the power to transform lives. They can make the difference in securing employment or housing, and for children, they can mean a positive school experience. Our mission has been made possible by your support, your donations, and the collective effort of the City of Los Angeles.

We've come a long way, but our work is far from over. To continue reaching those in need, we still need to fund our operations through contributions. Your donations, your voice, and your role in this journey are deeply appreciated. Together, we have not only met our goal of bringing this service to life but also built a community of compassion and change-makers.

Thank you for being a part of The Laundry Truck family and for helping us make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

With gratitude,

Jodie Dolan

Founder, The Laundry Truck