Anaheim Schools Offer Free Laundry Service

The Anaheim Union High School District's initiative is built on a partnership with local businesses Superior Laundry and LaundryUp. Together, they are providing nearly $9,000 worth of laundry vouchers to students and their families. This collaboration is designed to alleviate the stress of basic necessities for families facing rising costs and juggling multiple jobs. Students in need can receive a laundry card preloaded with credits, along with detergent and fabric softener. The district's community schools team is responsible for identifying and referring families for the service. To further reduce barriers, the program also includes plans for free drop-off and pick-up services at some of the high school campuses. This program follows a successful model launched three years prior in the Anaheim Elementary School District. Data from that district indicates that over 80% of its students are economically disadvantaged, highlighting the significant need for such support within the community. The effort in Anaheim is part of a broader movement to address students' basic needs to improve academic outcomes. Programs in other districts have demonstrated that access to clean clothes can boost student self-esteem, participation, and attendance. For example, a similar program saw a 95 percent increase in class participation from previously chronically absent students.