Local Nonprofit Recognized for Tremendous Work in Serving Homeless Community
- Ben Cheever
- Communications Director
- ben.cheever@asm.ca.gov
STOCKTON – This morning, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) presented Loads of Hope with a novelty check of $400,000 that had been awarded to them in the 2023 State Budget.
“Loads of Hope has improved the lives of our homeless community and beyond,” said Assemblymember Villapudua. “With all the services they provide, boots-on-the-ground case management, classes, and more, they provide a better sense of humanity and self-esteem for everyone around. This investment from the state is a recognition of their tremendous impact, and a beacon of hope for a community in desperate need.”
Loads of Hope, a program operated out of the Uplift All Foundation, provides free laundry, haircuts, showers, restrooms, and case management services for the homeless community. On-site staff are able to assist anyone who may need help filling out forms for social welfare benefits, and instructors come in throughout the week to lead classes in yoga, dance, and art.
The nonprofit operates five days a week out of the St. John’s Church parking lot in Downtown Stockton. However, having mobile laundrovans has allowed them to go into areas devastated by disasters. Ron Amador, Director of Services at Loads of Hope, recalled working with FEMA during the floods in early 2023 to serve the communities in Acampo and Manteca. They are also hopeful to begin working with school districts in the County to serve students in need of clean clothes.
Recent studies have demonstrated that clean clothes not only prevent diseases that can spread, but also promotes positive brain activity, relaxation, a happier mood, and greater self-esteem.
The $400,000 championed by Villapudua in the State Budget will help Loads of Hope purchase more laundrovans that operate entirely on solar energy, so that more members of the community in more areas across the region can be served.