Keeping clothes clean is an extra expense for those who lost their jobs during the pandemic
Raquel Rincón arrived on time this Friday at a laundry in the city of Sun Valley, in the San Fernando Valley.
This appointment was special, since thanks to the support of the office of the councilor and president of the Los Angeles City Council, Nury Martínez, the woman was one of 100 families who managed to obtain financial help to wash their clothes and that of their two children.
"Since the (pandemic) started, I have been out of work, cleaning houses but they haven't called me," said Rincón. "At first I took it as if it was going to be a vacation but the work is already needed."
He said he already had to call the utility, cable and car companies to forgive him for missing payments. She is also constantly looking for available help like donations of food or basic necessities.
"I look for anywhere and (even) I volunteer to help me," he said.
This is how he found out through a text message from a church member that they were offering the opportunity to do free laundry.
"I came and brought all my blankets," she said excitedly. "Here they gave us a bag with $ 30 and that helps a lot when you don't have (money)."
The free laundry initiative is one of several ways how Councilwoman Martinez's office seeks to shake hands with her community in the midst of the crisis.
Rick Coca, a spokeswoman for Alderman who represents District 6, said the community service was done last week in Panorama City, this week in Sun Valley and they will be arriving in Van Nuys soon.
In Sun Valley the free laundry event was divided into two groups of 50, one on Friday and one on Saturday.
"This is a series of ideas to help," said Coca. "We have already delivered food and hygiene kits to needy and homeless families."
Councilwoman Martinez said it is known that during this pandemic, there is a great need that encompasses all facets of people's lives, especially in low-income communities.
“I wanted to offer this service because for the workers every penny counts. These are people who previously, at best, lived from paycheck to paycheck and now live day by day, "he said.
"They need assistance in every way, big and small."
"As someone who grew up in poverty, it is important to me to help in any way I can to ease the daily burden of people in my district," said the councilwoman.
Public laundries
During this time people are more aware of the places they visit and that they must disinfect the surfaces they touch to protect themselves from COVID-19.
And while there is no 100% proof of how long the virus can remain on clothing and other fabrics, some research revealed that it can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on metal for up to 72 hours.
For this reason, many have found it convenient to leave their shoes, and even some clothes, outside the house to avoid getting the virus into their homes.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends washing clothes, towels, bedding, and other items according to the manufacturer's instructions. If possible use the hottest water settings possible – without damaging clothes – and dry items thoroughly.
He also indicated the use of disposable gloves when handling dirty clothes of a sick person.
It also recommended not to shake dirty clothes and to clean and disinfect the laundry baskets after use.
After finishing the process, you must throw away the gloves and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
