But that is changing thanks to a growing program helping people get basic needs and in turn improving lives of families. Once a month at the Super Laundry in Westwood, the service is free.

“We’ve helped over 200 families in the last year and paid for 13,000 loads of laundry,” said Karen Pilz of Laundry Love of Westwood.

Laundry Love of Westwood is celebrating a year of free laundry with suds and snow cones at a cookout at the Super Laundry off Harrison Avenue.

Volunteers from Westwood United Methodist Church, My Neighbors Place, and Laundry Love Cincinnati make it all happen.

“I think there’s a lot of untold stories that happen because families are either ashamed or embarrassed to talk about those things because of the stigma,” said Laundry Love Cincinnati President, Morgan Whaley.

But there is no stigma during this event.

“It’s more than just a laundry, it’s building relationships with our neighbors, hanging out, we have kids’ activities,” said Sarah Beach with My Neighbors Place.

Each family gets $10 for the machines, detergent if needed, diapers, and other hygiene products, too. Laretha McMillan welcomes the help.

“I think it’s good though because I’m on a fixed income too, so I think it’s a great thing,” said McMillan.

For Phillip Thompson, it is a chance to mingle and clean his clothes.

“I think it’s perfect it’s perfect for people who need a little help with their laundry,” said Thompson. “Actually, laundry is a big help.”

It is help that is expanding as Laundry Love Cincinnati now has a location in Newport joining the Westwood and Walnut Hills spots.

“We need more places like laundromats where we can slow down and wait and hear each other’s stories,” said Beach. “We’ve cried with people, we’ve laughed, we just serve together,” said Beach.

For more information, visit Laundry Love Cincinnati.