Water Minister Dave Kelly this week emphasised the value of water for people living on the streets, when he inspected Perth’s first hybrid shower and laundry van for the homeless.
The Orange Sky van – named Lottie – has been built with the support of Lotterywest and the Water Corporation. The van will make a difference to the lives of homeless people by providing something most people take for granted – a warm shower and clean clothes.
The national charity has operated mobile laundry vans in Perth since early 2016, but this is the first opportunity for homeless people to also take a shower in an Orange Sky van at the same time.
It takes about one hour to wash and dry a load of clothes, and during this time Orange Sky volunteers make the biggest difference, by fostering conversation and connections with people who need it the most.
Orange Sky relies on public donations, with just $6 allowing one cycle to wash someone’s clothes. To donate, visit http://www.orangesky.org.au