Homeless to benefit from Laundry Aloha

Eight parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Hono­lulu will be handing out rolls of quarters and laundry soap to the homeless next week as part of a new outreach project called Laundry Aloha, a spinoff of the national Laundry Love movement.

Father David Gierlach, head of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Kalihi-Palama, is serving as Laundry Aloha’s coordinator. He said the diocese just released a $10,000 grant, matched by contributions from each of the eight churches.

"About $20,000 worth of laundry will be done over the course of the program," Gierlach said. Each $10 roll of quarters given to a person will pay for two extra-large loads of laundry at a laundromat, he said, adding, "It ain’t cheap."

Gierlach said the packet handouts will include parish contact information, but "evangelizing will be with a very light touch."

The Rev. David Blanchett, associate priest of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, started distributing the little laundry packets in the McCully/Moiliili area near Easter, and has been continuing the effort on subsequent holidays.

"I just say, ‘Happy Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day,’ etc. They are always surprised but thankful. At times I have approached people who appear to be very depressed, lonely or just plain upset. When I see their expression after receiving a packet just change like a lighted light bulb in a dim room, my heart feels at peace, because I feel I was at the right place at the right time.

"Hopefully, we are putting some joy in the hearts," Blanchett said. "When money is tight, maybe our giving helps to free up funds that could buy that quart of milk, box of diapers, bag of rice. Or maybe go to the movie or bus ride."

He continued, "I also hope that they get an indication that there is a church in their neighborhood that knows they exist, and they are welcomed just as they are. My prayer is that St. Mary’s Episcopal Church lingers in the back of their consciousness — that if there is ever a major disaster, we may be a resource to help assist in rescue, relief and recovery."

Others participating in the program include St. Peter’s, St. Nicholas, St. Stephen’s, St. John the Baptist, St. Timothy’s and Emmanuel Episcopal churches. The first in Hawaii to take part in the official version of the Laundry Love program was All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Kapaa, Kauai, which began its efforts in mid-June, working in a partnership with Kapaa Laundromat.

Gierlach said Laundry Aloha on Oahu is not partnering with any laundromat, just providing quarters and detergent that can be used anywhere.

Laundry Love originated in California more than 12 years ago. Its mission states,"Laundry Love is a neighboring movement that partners with individuals, groups and laundromats to care for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized throughout the U.S."

On its website, laundrylove.org, it says, "For those living below the poverty line, washing clothes pre­sents both a logistical problem and a financial hardship." Links are provided to register laundromats partnering with individuals and community groups.