Beginning next month, a group of community members hope to show you how far a haircut and a couple of loads of laundry can go to improve mental health in Door County. Studies show that putting on clean clothes every day and regular haircuts can give people a boost in confidence, reduce anxiety, and a positive self-image. Like everything, inflation has damaged people’s ability to afford to do their laundry or keep up with haircuts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, laundry, and dry cleaning services experienced an average inflation rate of just over three percent, about half a percentage point higher than the overall inflation rate. It’s part of why Lori DeJardin from DC Laundromat, Ron Wehringer from Door County Trolley, Trent Snyder from Bridge Up Brewing, and the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church teamed up to form the Clean Start Initiative. Once a month, community members in need can bring their items to the laundromat to have them cleaned and receive a haircut while they wait if needed. Wehringer says he helped start a similar program in New Jersey, where he owned a salon. Snyder said when Wehringer told him about the idea, he knew he wanted to be a part of it.

Snyder adds that you can donate laundry pods, dryer sheets, or money to the brewery or to Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church. The first Clean Start event will take place on May 6th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Picture courtesy of Bridge up Brewing