ATLANTA — Atlanta is home to over a quarter of the state's homeless population, and with a backlog of evictions in Fulton County, more people are becoming unhoused every day.
However, one man is using his retirement to make sure those who end up on the streets still have access to basic human necessities.
What some may consider a chore is everything Nicky Crawford has been dreaming of. With the help of a student-led engineering team from Georgia Tech, Crawford now has a fully functioning mobile laundry room meant for those living on the streets.
“What we’re trying to do is get them clothes they can have for the week so they can change clothes because a lot of times it’s not them that smell, it’s the clothes," Crawford explained.
The idea came about a few months into the launch of Crawford's Flowing with Blessings Inc. shower trailer, which has been a place of relief for so many living on the streets for years now.
And his work doesn't stop here. He has created a community about meeting people where they are at, from getting people haircuts to health checks to even a hot meal.
On Wednesday, Crawford revealed his laundry bus at a Juneteenth event in downtown Atlanta. Crawford and his family partnered with several other organizations, including PAD (Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative), Morehouse School of Medicine, local barbers and area representatives of Veterans Affairs.
“I tell them when they come here, this is a family environment. We want you to come here. Feel comfortable. Get you something to eat. Get you a shower," Crawford said.
The day shows that with a little compassion, love, and acceptance, change can happen.
"I have always had a love for people who were less fortunate because I think I told you…other than the grace of God, this could be me," Crawford added.