By Hollie Harris
In any one night, across Australia, some 105,000 people are without a place to call home.
Orange Sky Laundry (OSL) is helping improve the lives of those on the street by raising their health standards, restoring their respect and reducing the strain on their limited resources.
OSL is currently working with Noosa Council to provide a service for Noosa’s homeless.
Noosa Council has contributed $15,000 through its Community Grants Program towards the fit-out of a new van, which will replace the temporary vehicle OSL is currently using to deliver its Sunshine Coast service. The funding will see the service expand into Noosa Shire.
“OSL is not just about washing clothes. Clothes take time – a lot of time if drying a doona! So during the time it takes to wash and dry, we have some great conversation with our homeless friends. OSL is a catalyst for conversation,” says Glen Mahoney, OSL’s Sunshine Coast Service manager.
“With the six orange chairs that accompany each of the 13 vans around Australia, OSL can have positive, genuine and non-judgemental conversations with their friends,” Mr Mahoney said.
Noosa Council Community Services director Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said council was looking for local service providers or community facility operators keen to partner with OSL to help people who are sleeping rough in Noosa Shire.
“Likewise, we are keen to hear from community groups, business or volunteers who would like to get involved in supporting Orange Sky Laundry in Noosa Shire. If you can help, contact Noosa Council’s Community Development officer Kylie Finigan on (07) 5329 6459. For further information about OSL, visit www.orangeskylaundry.com.au,” Mr Rogers says.
“Noosa Council is pleased to be able to support the great work that OSL does, and we’re really pleased to be able to assist them in expanding their service into our shire,” Mr Rogers said.
