The first social laundrette in Crete provides socially vulnerable citizens with the facilities to wash their clothes and take care of their personal hygiene, as well as a sense of self-worth and belonging.
SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE CITIZENS
In March 2021, the first Social Laundrette in Greece began operating in the Municipality of Chania. This new facility provides vulnerable citizens with access to a variety of hygiene services. Through the free provision of these services, the Municipality of Chania aims to improve the living conditions socially vulnerable groups, as well as their quality of life, self- image and self-respect.
FREE ACCESS TO HYGIENE FACILITIES
The aim of the Social Laundrette of the Municipality of Chania is to serve vulnerable citizens – residents of Chania who either have problems accessing basic amenities such as electricity or water, or do not have certain household appliances. Specifically, the facilities include social baths for taking care of personal hygiene needs, washing machines and dryers for cleaning and drying clothes, and a municipal clothing store that supplies clothing, footwear and linen for free. Visitors also have access to computers and a television, and can be put in touch with housing, food provision, psychological support and counselling services.
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
Clean clothes and personal hygiene are not only essential to our health; they are also a symbol of care and quality of life – things to which we are all entitled. During the first four months of operation, the Social Launderette served 1,055 beneficiaries in total: 478 people used the laundry room; 543 people took care of personal hygiene, and 354 people received free clothes from the clothing store.
