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Program provides more than clean laundry to Regina's vulnerable population — it offers dignity

A community organization in Regina is working to provide the city's most vulnerable people and families access to clean laundry through a program called Operation Fresh Start.

Close to 300 people and families have already been helped

Sarah Onyango · CBC News ·
Seaspray Laundry in Regina located on the corner of Elphinstone and Dewdney Streets
Seaspray Laundry, a partner in the initiative, welcomes people who come in with vouchers for free washes. (Matt Howard/Radio-Canada)

A laundry program in Regina is giving the city's most vulnerable people and families access to clean clothing.

Operation Fresh Start is part of a project from Regina community organization Rally Around Homelessness to provide free laundry services in the Queen City.

The program, which launched in September 2024, provides vouchers that can be used to wash clothes at Seaspray Laundry, one of the partners.

"You don't realize how lucky we really are and how unfortunate some others may be. Maybe their washer just broke down and they don't have an extra $7 to do a load," Sherry Vester, manager at Seaspray Laundry, said.

Two woman one in a white t shirt with brown hair and one with a grey shirt and short brown hair pose side by side smiling in a laundromat.
Alysia Johnson, left, is an organizer of Operation Fresh Start and Sherry Vester, right, is a manager at Seaspray Laundry. (Matt Howard/Radio-Canada)

By providing detergent, machines and the simple opportunity to get clothes washed, the program is making a difference in people's lives. 

"That's what this program is all about, is just to step up and help some people that are having misfortunes," Vester said.

A pink free wash voucher from Operation Fresh Start
Since its launch Operation Fresh Start has provided close to 300 free wash vouchers to people and families in Regina. (Matt Howard/Radio-Canada )

Wendy Miller, executive director of the Heritage Community Association, said there are a variety of people who use the program.

"It's just not about the houseless folks that potentially need their laundry cleaned. It's about families who might be renting a space that doesn't have a washer and dryer, or a working washer and dryer," Miller said.

"So it's just opening opportunities." 

A woman with black hair and black framed glasses sits in a chair posing for a picture.
Wendy Miller, executive director of the Heritage Community Association, says the association has been supporting Operation Fresh Start by printing vouchers and writing tax receipts. (Matt Howard/Radio-Canada)

Self-worth through cleaner clothing

The program is also about changing the way people feel about themselves. 

Organizers know that for those facing homelessness or financial struggles, dirty or worn-out clothing can be a reminder of their hardship. 

"Having clean clothes, that helps to restore a person's self-worth and self-respect, which everyone deserves to have," said Ann Perry, executive director of The Circle Project.

An older woman sitting in a chair and smiling.
Ann Perry, executive director of The Circle Project, says that the decision to participate in Operation Fresh Start was an automatic yes. (Matt Howard/Radio-Canada)

Perry said Operation Fresh Start is restoring a sense of normalcy and pride for people using the vouchers. 

"The hygiene products that we give out as well as part of our outreach, it's the same principles that people deserve to have some respect and be in an environment where they are respected," Perry said. 

Operation Fresh Start is a continuation of the Rally Around Homelessness's 'I Gotch You' campaign, which collected underwear donations for those in need.

So far the program has given out close to 300 vouchers to people and families in the Queen City. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Onyango

Editorial Assistant

Sarah Onyango is a reporter at CBC Saskatchewan. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Regina. She can be reached at [email protected]

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