Rome's homeless can keep their clothes clean courtesy of a new papal initiative
ADVERTISEMENT
A new launderette has been opened specifically for Rome’s homeless. It’s been set up by Pope Francis and is located within a hospital complex not far from the Vatican. Inside are six dryers and several ironing boards and irons.
The idea is to provide free facilities where people living on the streets can wash, dry and iron their clothes.
Pope Francis opens free laundromat for the homeless https://t.co/kDSRTUxEjz pic.twitter.com/lxOTrmGtbb
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) April 11, 2017
“The Pope’s Laundry” as it’s being called, is run by a volunteer catholic charity called the Community of St.Egidio.
Giuseppe has been one of the first to take advantage of the facilities and says it is so important to keep clean so he can maintain his dignity. He is very grateful to the Holy father and the charity which have given this opportunity to homeless people.
Throughout his papacy Pope Francis has made an effort to reach out to the homeless in Rome, urging people to give “concrete form to charity”.
In 2013 he opened a free barber shop and showers under the Vatican Colonnade and in 2015 he opened a dormitory for homeless men not far from St. Peter’s Basilica.