The Wash House
The Wash House is cleaning clothes, cultivating minds, catalyzing entrepreneurs, and creating communities of opportunity across the American South.
Leader
Lacie Pierre
Location
1596 W Capitol St Jackson, MS 39203
About the project
With your support, The Wash House aims to revolutionize underserved communities in Mississippi by providing a holistic resource that addresses the intertwined challenges of poverty, educational disadvantage, and historical resource inequity. With your help, we will create a transformative hub in Jackson, MS that goes beyond laundering services, providing vital resources and opportunities for growth. By creating a sustainable ecosystem that combines a launderette, a co-working space for aesthetic professionals, and a community innovation center, we will break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and restore dignity to our built environment. Join us in this transformative journey and help us uplift and empower communities in need.
The Steps
Envisioning a brighter tomorrow, our dedicated team will embark on a series of purposeful actions once the seed of funding takes root.
August 2023:
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Laundromat:
- Begin renovation and equipment procurement for the laundromat.
- Hire contractors for plumbing and electrical work.
- Allocate funds for furnishings and décor.
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CSAP (Co-Working Space for Aesthetic Professionals):
- Initiate renovation and design plans for the CSAP area.
- Purchase necessary office equipment and supplies.
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CIC (Community Innovation Center):
- Start the renovation and setup of the CIC space.
- Procure technology infrastructure for the center.
- Allocate funds for educational resources and materials.
September 2023:
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Laundromat:
- Oversee the progress of renovation and equipment installation.
- Finalize plumbing and electrical work.
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CSAP (Co-Working Space for Aesthetic Professionals):
- Complete the renovation and design of the CSAP area.
- Set up the purchased office equipment and supplies.
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CIC (Community Innovation Center):
- Ensure the completion of the renovation and setup for the CIC space.
- Install the technology infrastructure.
October 2023:
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Laundromat:
- Finalize furnishings and décor installation.
- Conduct marketing and promotion activities for the laundromat.
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CSAP (Co-Working Space for Aesthetic Professionals):
- Start marketing and promotion efforts for the CSAP area.
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CIC (Community Innovation Center):
- Allocate funds for staff training and development.
- Begin marketing and promotion initiatives for the CIC.
November 2023:
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Laundromat:
- Launch the laundromat services to the community.
- Hire and onboard the laundromat staff.
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CSAP (Co-Working Space for Aesthetic Professionals):
- Open the CSAP area for aesthetic professionals.
- Establish partnerships with local beauty industry organizations.
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CIC (Community Innovation Center):
- Conduct staff training and development sessions.
- Start offering educational resources and programs at the CIC.
December 2023:
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Laundromat:
- Monitor and fine-tune laundromat operations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and promotion efforts.
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CSAP (Co-Working Space for Aesthetic Professionals):
- Foster a supportive community within the CSAP area.
- Assess the impact and success of partnerships established.
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CIC (Community Innovation Center):
- Evaluate the utilization and impact of educational resources and programs.
- Collect feedback from the community and make necessary adjustments.
Why we‘re doing it
The Wash House project serves as a powerful solution to address the social, economic, and environmental problems that persist in our neighborhoods and cities. In Mississippi, 70% of the population struggles to afford broadband, unemployment rates reach a staggering 45%, and the median income stands at a mere $26,000. Our motivation stems from witnessing the impact of these challenges firsthand, particularly in underserved rural communities like Edwards, where access to basic services is scarce.
The success we have achieved in Edwards, where The Wash House reopened after a decade of absence, underscores the significance of our project. By providing essential laundering services, establishing a literacy library, offering free Wi-Fi, and creating workstations, we have become a lifeline for the community. Our efforts have reached 30% of Edwards' population, offering educational support, digital access, and a safe space for growth and learning.
The testimonials from our customers in Edwards speak volumes about the profound impact we have made. From enabling college attendance to providing a place for homework and peace, The Wash House has become an indispensable resource. We are driven by the desire to extend these benefits to other underserved communities, including Jackson, MS.
With your support, we can build upon our achievements, expanding The Wash House project to serve even more individuals and families. Together, we will bridge the digital divide, foster economic opportunities, and create a brighter future for all who deserve a chance to thrive.