CHARITY Orange Sky has launched a new mobile laundry van in Perth in a bid to help people living on the streets.
The van, which is the organisation’s first van in Perth to have a laundry and shower service, was unveiled at Taylor Reserve in Victoria Park today and will service Kwinana, Rockingham, Mandurah, Armadale and Willagee.
The State Government through Lotterywest and the Water Corporation provided $140,000 to make the van a reality.
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READ NOWOrange Sky co-founder Nic Marchesi said the service not just about the laundry and showers but about the conversations that people could have.
“Our key aim is to connect the community and we have six orange chairs that allow us the opportunity to engage with people,” he said.
“We never operate alone, we work with service providers such as food vans, counselling services, drop-in centres and we complement their services.”
Water Minister Dave Kelly said homelessness was an issue not only in WA but around the country.
“It’s unfortunate that despite the services that are around, there are people who find themselves homeless,” he said.
“It’s a problem that we haven’t managed to resolve, despite the efforts of governments and not-for-profit organisations.
“This service is very much needed.”
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