The email from Chris Britton, Executive Director for New Heights Christian Community Development Association, was filled with glee, announcing the groundbreaking date for a new laundromat that will serve a dual purpose as a space for cleaning clothes and getting help from community-based resources.
“I am excited to share with you some wonderful news! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and you, we have successfully raised enough funds to start work on a much-needed laundry hub in the under-resourced neighborhood of Benton Heights. This new laundromat will not only provide a critical service to our community but will also be a space for social agencies to serve those in need,” said Britton.
The groundbreaking is set for April 20 at 4:30pm. Donors, partners, and community neighbors will gather at the corner of N. Euclid Ave and Red Arrow Highway in Benton Harbor.
“This will be an opportunity for us to celebrate this significant milestone and acknowledge the contributions of our donors, partners, and community members. We will also be sharing more details about the various services that will be available at the Laundry Hub, including workshops on job readiness, financial literacy, and health and wellness,” said Britton.
The New Heights CCDA website explains the need for the development:
“With the nearest laundromat over four miles from Benton Heights, access to clean laundry has been a felt need for many residents for decades. And while New Heights Laundry Hub has been planned to meet this need, its design will leverage that advantage to bring in other resources.
“Our plan is to help reduce the barriers of intimidation of social agencies and provide access to services in a very natural setting. While patrons wait for their laundry, they will also be able to connect with community resources.
“New Heights will break ground this Spring, 2023 on the new Laundry Hub, a multifunctional space with state-of-the-art laundry facilities and 800 square feet of “flex” space for partner agencies to offer wrap-around services.”
The laundromat / community resource center is expected to be open by Fall 2023.
