Welches Laundromat, Free Laundry Events

They say it takes a village to assure the overall well-being of a community, and when it comes to providing for those who cannot provide for themselves, the Welches Laundromat is doing their part and then some. Located off of Welches Road behind the library, the Welches Laundromat has been a huge resource to community members and to those passing through or vacationing.

Owner and Mt. Hood Villages resident Heather Kelner sees her role in the community as a means of giving back by way of her business. “Free Laundry was a vision that God gave me not long after I bought the mat,” she said. “I was cleaning late one night and the idea just popped into my head. Maybe more accurately, it flooded into my heart. I wanted the laundromat to be a safe place where people felt cared about,” Kelner added. 

With almost three years of business ownership under her belt, Kelner’s laundromat has not only been a continued success in the community, but has also helped her understand the values that tie her religion and community together. “I just want to give all of the credit for this to God. I am so thankful that He cares about the details of our lives and wants to be a part of the ins and outs of our days,” Kelner said. “He has put this amazing team of people in my life to make His vision a reality. Who knew He would heal my heart through a laundromat,” she added.

With a dozen washing machines and dryers, including six brand new machines, The  Welches Laundromat has become a key part of The Mt. Hood Villages. With many full-time rental homes in the area lacking washers and dryers, and campers needing facilities while vacationing, the Welches Laundromat is a valuable part of keeping the community clean. “My next big goal is to purchase an even bigger washer in the next year or so,” Kelner said. “Our community deserves great equipment,” she added.

Kelner’s faith and dedication to her community has inspired the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, and her partnership with Clackamas County’s LoveOne nonprofit organization has propelled the event into an ongoing community outreach program. Their mission of providing clean clothing, shower facilities, meals, and personal care resources, LoveOne’s goal is to showcase the self-respect all neighbors deserve, regardless of income. “They [LoveOne] are equipped with social workers and community outreach workers that are there to help,” Kelner said. “They not only bring fanny packs full of quarters for the machines, they also bring lots of free hygiene items, socks, flashlights, tents and sleeping bags, tarps, Narcan, and anything else they think people might need or appreciate,” Kelner added. 

While clean laundry is at the forefront of the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, other services and community fellowship are also provided. From free meals to neighborly congress, Kelner and her crew of volunteers take each free laundry event to the next charitable level. “I make lunch for everyone and we just hang out and talk and visit and eat and do laundry,” Kelner said. “I have met so many terrific people in our community. As much as we are trying to bless others, I always feel like I am the one who is most blessed by these events,” she added. 

Although Kelner and LoveOne are at the core of the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, other local businesses and community members volunteer their time and resources.  “The Rendezvous Bar and Grill catered one event with soup and sandwiches, and Mountain Life Clinic was there last week giving free 10 minute chair massages. A generous community member named Ryll came a couple of times and gave free haircuts,” Kelner said. “We welcome any local individuals or businesses to get involved in any way they like,” Kelner added.

Free laundry and lunch are available at the Welches Laundromat every first and third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Laundromat is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

For more information on how to get involved or participate in The Welches Laundromat’s free laundry events visit their Facebook page [Welches Laundromat] or email welcheslaundromat@gmail.com.