Charlotte Groups Address Hygiene Poverty With Free Laundry Programs for Students

Charlotte organizations now offer free laundry services to students and families battling hygiene poverty. Advocates say this keeps kids out of classrooms. One in five students arrives at school wearing dirty clothing, organizers report.

LaundroLab and 2ULaundry recently launched free laundry services for area families in an effort to cut absenteeism. Many students skip school because they're ashamed of their unclean clothes.

"Having clean clothes at school is so, so important, and there are families that just unfortunately aren't able to ensure that all the time," Jason Lepes, CEO of LaundroLab, said, according to WCNC. "And so having events like this, but also as part of our regular practice, we love to make laundry available to folks who can't."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recognizes that hygiene poverty blocks student success. Nonprofits, churches, and school districts have responded by creating programs that give free or low-cost laundry services. Some install washers and dryers right on school grounds, while others distribute supplies or hand out vouchers for neighborhood laundromats.

A church opened a free laundromat on its property in 2025. The facility serves surrounding neighborhoods. A nonprofit started rolling out mobile laundry units earlier this year, visiting different schools each week.

LaSasha Johnson participated in the effort. She sees the results firsthand. "You can see the people washing their clothes and how they feel when they walk out," Johnson said to WCNC. "They're walking out with a smile on their face. They feel so great."

Ramona Hines Harris applauded the approach. "We need it with these times, day and time, we need it," Hines Harris said. "It's very much needed. And I appreciate it. They're putting the community first."

Classroom Central collects and distributes school supplies. The nonprofit now adds laundry detergent to what it gives students across the region. "When students don't have access to clean clothes, it can lead to bullying, social isolation, and missed school days," said Jane Doe, Executive Director of Classroom Central, according to National Today. "Providing laundry services is a simple but powerful way to support their education and overall well-being."

The district wants to grow its in-school laundry program. Plans call for adding more campuses during the next academic year, reaching additional students who face this challenge.