Over 25 days, the Olive Branch laundry ministry served 140 clients and washed 233 loads of laundry. This ministry of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church serves the unhoused in one of the lowest economic communities of Findlay, Ohio.

Six years ago, St. Andrew’s UMC began exploring the possibility of launching a laundry ministry. The process began with a series of “visioning” meetings. A laundry ministry in the church annex was the answer.

Working in education, Sue Freel saw children arrive at school in dirty clothes, which impacted their learning. She said, “They arrived already behind.” Sue Freel and her husband, James help lead this ministry.

The St. Andrew’s United Women of Faith group provided initial support by raising $13,000 through an auction project. But when construction began, issues arose with the dated structure and building codes, delaying the opening. In the meantime, Olive Branch served as a warming center in January.

Financial support for the ministry came through a Go Grant! from the West Ohio Conference and a grant from the Community Foundation. The Whirlpool Appliances Factory in Findlay donated commercial washers and dryers, while Procter and Gamble donated laundry supplies for the life of the ministry.

Olive Branch clients are diverse in age and culture. Two clients are a couple in their 60s whose finances were drastically impacted by medical debt. Through Olive Branch, the couple saves money by not going to a laundromat. Money saved can be used to purchase groceries and other life essentials.

“We have a large group of homeless people in our community, and they deserve to have clean clothes,” Sue Freel said. Fourteen volunteers serve this ministry. “They’ve endured some bumps and bruises along the way. They are the best,” James Freel said.

It wasn’t an easy journey but, according to the Freels, it was worth it. “Encountering problems along the way makes you fight harder and makes this a strong ministry,” Sue Freel declared.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Writer