I've had this idea for a while now. I'm sure it isn't original, and maybe it's a dumb idea.

But I would like to open a laundromat that is either free, or at greatly reduced costs to the community in which it serves. The thing about it though, is I would like to have it staffed with volunteer tutors - be it teachers from local schools who have some time, or college students in a respective major who would like to get some community service time. The families could bring their children of all ages and these tutors could help them with their homework while their parents took care of a seemingly meaningless chore.

Thoughts? On its viability or how to even go about getting started?

Was thinking donations of older washers/dryers would be a good start, but the largest cost obviously would be a lease and energy. Because the location would have to be easily accessible to the community.

10/27/2017 12:07:02 PM

giving away 2 things at once, bold. I'd wonder about the viability of teaching in a loud/hot space and having space for teaching AND washing, but I like the idea a lot.

10/27/2017 12:42:25 PM

I figure single moms or dads who can't take the time to wash clothes and pay attention to their children's homework could do both here - and not have to worry about paying for laundry, and use that money elsehwere.

Plus it could be a community gathering place.

What two things would we be giving away? The washing and the drying? Or washing/drying and tutoring?

And I don't envision actually "teaching," rather it would be an opportunity for kids to get help with their homework, and at the very least, provide time and space to get it done. The homework/learning portion is the focus here - the washing/drying is basically a gimmick to get people to come.

[Edited on October 27, 2017 at 12:47 PM. Reason : gimmick]

10/27/2017 12:45:43 PM

i would partner with an organization like Durham Rescue Mission or Raleigh Rescue Mission who can help with the other services instead of trying to start it all from scratch

but if you're capable and want to start it ground up, more power to you

EDIT: i wonder if TROSA would be interested in this as one of their enterprises?

[Edited on October 27, 2017 at 12:48 PM. Reason : .]

10/27/2017 12:47:01 PM

TROSA?

And that is the problem, I DON'T have the means to start something like this. I'd need a way to pay the lease and powerbill each month.

I'm sure I could get donations for the washers and dryers, but it wouldn't really be revenue generating.

10/27/2017 12:51:29 PM

I think tide does something like this for disaster relief efforts.

not the homework part, but offering a free place to wash/dry clothes part.

Just use the power of love and positive thinking for energy.

Or use stationary bikes and make those poor sons of bitches pedal for the power required.

10/27/2017 1:06:08 PM

Gym, tutor, laundry

Free spin classes, free spot to do homework, free laundromat. I'll give 5 lafta bucks to get you off the ground

10/27/2017 3:09:01 PM

did someone say GTL???

10/27/2017 3:44:59 PM