Homelessness in Kingston continues to grow, and with it the number of people struggling to meet even their most basic needs. As of September 2025, Kingston’s by name list recorded 600 people actively experiencing homelessness. Behind that number are hundreds of individuals doing their best to survive without access to clean water, bathrooms/showers and laundry.
At Trellis HIV & Community Care, we see how something as simple as clean clothing can change how a person feels about themselves and how others see them. For those living outdoors or in unstable housing, being able to wash their clothing affects more than their appearance. It touches health, dignity and belonging. When clothing is dirty or damp for long periods, it can lead to skin irritation and infections, worsen existing health conditions, and create barriers to accessing work, housing and health care. It can also contribute to social isolation and the kinds of stigma that keep people from seeking help.
The Laundry Project was created to respond to this very gap. With support from Awesome Kingston, trellis plans to purchase second hand laundry machines, and establish a low-barrier laundry space for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Kingston. It is a small, practical step towards restoring the dignity and health of those who are often forgotten.
This project grew out of ongoing research being conducted through St Lawrence College. My applied thesis “Laundry access, personal hygiene and health outcomes: Impacts on the quality of life for people experiencing homelessness in KFL&A”, examines how access to laundry and hygiene services influences well-being. While formal data is currently being collected, early observations and community discussions point to a clear truth: without access to laundry people lose far more than cleanliness, they lose confidence, connection and a sense of self worth.
Kingston currently has one laundry option for this population, however the hours are limited and by