Crisis at Christmas is proud to renew our partnership with ihateironing, the London-based laundry start-up, to bring clean clothes—and renewed hope—to individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we’re working to make the Christmas season brighter for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
The Importance of Clean Clothes
For many of our guests, the simple act of wearing clean clothes can be transformative. It’s more than just fresh fabric—it’s about dignity, comfort, and the feeling of being cared for. These small gestures are often the first steps toward rebuilding self-esteem and hope for the future.
Anna Bohoslawec, Operations Manager for Crisis at Christmas, highlights why this service matters so deeply:
When someone walks through our doors at Christmas, they’ve often had no opportunity to clean their clothes in weeks, sometimes months. Giving them fresh, clean clothing, along with a warm meal and a safe place to sleep, helps them feel human again. It’s a small but powerful step toward helping guests focus on what’s next in their journey.
This year, ihateironing will provide free laundry services for guests staying in Crisis accommodations across London, ensuring they can start the new year feeling refreshed and supported.
A Crucial Partnership
Providing laundry services for hundreds of people is no small feat. At our temporary centres, laundry facilities are often limited to a single machine—or none at all. Guests arrive with clothing that’s not only dirty but often their most treasured possessions. The logistical challenge of washing, drying, and returning these items can be overwhelming.
This is where ihateironing steps in, providing professional-grade laundry services that meet our guests' needs with care and efficiency. Clothes are collected, cleaned, and returned directly to the accommodations, ensuring guests can focus on other essentials.
Matt Connelly, CEO of ihateironing, reflects on the impact:
We’re proud to be offering our free laundry services once again to Crisis at Christmas to support the remarkable work they’re doing. Cleaning guests’ clothes, especially during the holiday season, isn’t just about the clothes themselves. It’s about being able to contribute to a journey of positive change, giving guests the dignity they deserve to wear their favourite items after they’ve been professionally cared for.
At Crisis at Christmas, our goal is to ensure no one faces homelessness alone. This year, we’ll provide warm accommodations, meals, and critical resources to hundreds of individuals across London who would otherwise be sleeping rough. Thanks to partners like ihateironing, we can go one step further by offering the dignity of clean clothes, helping our guests feel cared for during what can be a difficult time of year.
Ian Richards, Head of Crisis at Christmas, captures the sentiment beautifully:
Being able to wear your favourite clothes, clean and fresh, might seem small, but for our guests, it can be the moment everything begins to change. It’s a step toward feeling valued, supported, and ready for a new chapter.
Join Us in Changing Lives
This partnership reflects ihateironing’s commitment to supporting local charities, including their Donation to Crisis Scheme, and it highlights what’s possible when businesses and communities work together to tackle homelessness.
We know the holidays are a time for generosity and connection. If you’d like to help, there are many ways to get involved—from volunteering to making a donation. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a fresh start.
Visit Crisis at Christmas to learn more. This Christmas, let’s come together to restore dignity, renew hope, and make lasting change.