At Low Tide, we’re committed to removing barriers that prevent students and families from thriving. One of our most impactful initiatives is our Washer-Dryer Laundry Program in partnership with Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). By providing free and accessible laundry services, we help students overcome challenges related to chronic absenteeism, improving their well-being and academic performance.
 

Our Objective
 

To reduce chronic absenteeism and enhance the quality of life for students and families by ensuring access to clean clothing, a basic necessity often overlooked in addressing educational inequities.
 

Background
 

Economic hardship often limits families’ access to clean clothing, leading to social stigma and absenteeism. Inspired by Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) successful initiatives, Low Tide has implemented similar programs in Long Beach, targeting the most vulnerable students.
 

Key Insights from LAUSD:
 

• In-School Laundry Facilities: Providing washers and dryers on school campuses for student and family use.

• Mobile Laundry Units: Mobile trucks equipped with laundry machines bring services directly to underserved communities.

• Community Partnerships: Collaborating with nonprofits and local businesses ensures sustainable funding and resource allocation.
   

Program Components
 

1. Needs Assessment

 

Our program began with an extensive needs assessment to:
 

• Identify schools with high rates of homelessness and absenteeism.

• Understand the specific needs of families and students.

• Determine optimal service locations.
   

2. In-School Laundry Facilities
 

• Implementation: Washers and dryers were installed at key schools identified through the needs assessment.

• Accessibility: Facilities are available during school hours and select after-school hours for families.

• Supervision: Trained staff and volunteers oversee operations and maintain facilities.
   

3. Mobile Laundry Services
 

• Service Delivery: Equipped trucks visit neighborhoods with limited access to transportation or laundry facilities.

• Schedules: Regularly published routes ensure consistent access.

• Convenient Hours: Evening and weekend availability meets the needs of working families.
   

4. Partnerships and Funding
 

Collaboration is at the heart of our program’s success:
 

• Nonprofit Alliances: Partnering with organizations like Laundry Love.

• Corporate Support: Appliance manufacturers and detergent companies provide donations and discounts.

• Public Funding: Leveraging state and federal grants for homeless and
  low-income students.

• Community Sponsors: Local businesses contribute funding and resources.

5. Community Engagement
 

• Outreach: We use newsletters, school websites, and events to inform families about available services.

• Feedback: A continuous feedback loop ensures we adapt to meet community needs.
   

Looking Forward
 

We’re dedicated to expanding our Washer-Dryer Laundry Program to serve even more families in Long Beach. With continued community support and funding, we aim to:
 

• Install facilities in additional schools.

• Add more mobile laundry trucks to our fleet.

• Explore partnerships with nearby school districts to replicate our model.
   

Join Us
 

Want to support our efforts? Here’s how you can get involved:
 

• Donate: Your contributions help us purchase supplies and expand our reach.

• Volunteer: Join our team to oversee laundry facilities or help with mobile unit operations.

• Partner: Businesses and organizations can collaborate with us to sustain and grow this vital program.
   

Together, we can ensure every student has the dignity and confidence that clean clothing provides.