Laundry Love is a national organization founded in 2003 as a neighboring movement that partners with groups, schools and local laundromats to wash the clothes and bedding of low-income and/or no-income families and persons.

Laundry Love began with T-Bone [Eric], an unhoused man living in Ventura, California. A question was asked of him, “T-Bone, how can we come alongside your life in a way that would matter?” His response was honest and practical. “If I had clean clothes, I think people would treat me like a human being.” Every Laundry Love program around the U.S. is attached to this man. His desire for worth and welcome is found in us all. We all yearn to be treated as human beings. This simple conversation sparked an idea that continues to influence and care for tens of thousands of people every month. The creative and collective energy used to sustain, expand and share Laundry Love reminds us that every human being has tremendous worth, value, and possibility. (Text taken from Peninsula Poverty Response.)

Cathy and Rich Sypek

Laundry Love of Western Massachusetts got its start at Laundry Central in Westfield in February 2021 thanks to Cathy and Rich Sypek, both active members of St. Mary's Parish. Laundry Love in Westfield provides free washing and drying of clothes and bedding for all individuals and families in need every 4th Wednesday of the month. Volunteers help those in need by designating washers and dryers, providing detergent, covering costs, and folding clean laundry in cases of physical disability.

In 2023, Cathy and Rich expanded the ministry to Springfield, offering free laundry services at Laundromat Express at 700 Sumner Ave every 4th Thursday of the month coordinated by longtime Laundry Love volunteers Barbara and Lee Lyon.

We see the laundromat as a place where strangers become friends, people are known by name, hope is shared, and the worth of every human being is acknowledged and celebrated. (Text adapted from Laundry Love.)

If you are interested in joining a concrete ministry to assist the under-resourced families in Western Massachusetts, please reach out to Cathy Sypek at (413) 642-5276 or [email protected] for more information. Laundry Love is always looking for detergent donations, financial contributions, and volunteers! Thank you for volunteering your time and resources to this much needed service ministry.

• 4th Wednesday of every month, 4:30 to 6:00 PM

• Laundry Central, 3 White St, Westfield, MA

• No pre-registration necessary; sign-ups at the door

• 4th Thursday of the every month, 9:00 to 11:00 AM

• Laundromat Express, 700 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA

• No pre-registration necessary; sign-ups at the door

Sponsored by Sypek Law & Insurance