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College Park council hears pitch for mobile shower-and-laundry pilot to help unhoused residents
Summary
A Leadership Clayton cohort and partner Fresh Hope told the College Park council they plan pilot mobile shower and laundry events ('Fresh Hope Days') and sought initial funding and city partnership to build a permanent 'Lather and Load' mobile unit serving Clayton County residents.
Brandy Cousin Sims, representing Fresh Hope and the Leadership Clayton cohort, told the College Park mayor and council that the group's 'Lather and Load' project would provide mobile showers, laundry and case management to unhoused residents across Clayton County. The group said the unit has not yet been built and asked the city to consider partnership and help with fundraising and connections to sponsors.
Sims said the project aims to restore dignity and improve health outcomes while connecting people to housing, identification services, recovery and employment pathways. She outlined a three‑phase plan: secure funding and partnerships in early 2026; run proof‑of‑concept pilot days (scheduled July 11 and Aug. 15, with an event on Oct. 10 to mark World Homeless Day); and acquire and operate a dedicated mobile unit thereafter.
Queenie Brown, deputy city clerk, introduced the request and noted logistics for an earlier special‑events item; council members asked operational questions about capacity and cost. Sims said pilot events would be limited in size and that organizers estimate basic startup needs of about $15,000–$20,000 to cover supplies and two pilot days. She also said the group had secured donated laundry from True Detergent, a local Black‑owned business.
Council members praised the concept and recommended coordination with existing providers. One council member suggested consulting Love Beyond Walls to learn from its mobile outreach experience; Sims said Fresh Hope intends to focus on Clayton County but welcomed advice and partnership. Elected officials urged the group to refine a budget and partnership plan and to return with specifics for any city funding request.
The presentation closed with general council support for exploring the idea; no formal vote or funding commitment was recorded during the workshop.
The council will consider any formal funding request in a future meeting once organizers provide a budget, partnership details and a plan for pilot operations.
