This retired Atlanta man is behind a mobile laundry bus for the homeless

Abu Mubarik June 21, 2024
Nicky Crawford. Photo credit: 11Alive

Nicky Crawford runs a mobile laundry bus that takes care of Atlanta’s growing homeless population. He got the mobile laundry facility with the help of Georgia Tech engineering students, who assisted him in repurposing a school bus.

He outdoored the laundry facility at the Juneteenth Block Party on Wednesday, partnering with organizations like PAD (Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative), Morehouse School of Medicine, The Department Of Veterans Affairs, and local barbers.  

He said the motive is to allow the homeless to get clean clothes for the week. “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 told 11 Alive News. 

This is not the first time Crawford has unveiled social-economic-friendly enterprises. In 2022, he unveiled a mobile shower for the homeless community behind Grady Hospital, which has sinks, toilets, and showers that serve at least 50 people each week.  In addition, the facility has towels, toiletries, undergarments, and socks for its guests.

“When you actually sit down and talk to them, it’s just a family member. A family member who had a rough time. So we can all do something. Maybe not this. But we can all do something to help the unhoused in the Atlanta area,” Crawford said in an interview with WSB-TV Atlanta. 

Prior to starting his social ventures, he was an administrator but took his current path to help the homeless and unhoused community.

“God has blessed me so much, I knew this is what I was supposed to be doing,” Crawford said in a 2023 interview.

Crawford runs his initiatives under the nonprofit organization Flowing with Blessings. The organization assists the unhoused community with basic human needs such as haircuts, showers, health checks, and meals. 

“At Flowing with Blessings, we believe that every person deserves to feel clean, comfortable, and valued. With our services, we aim to empower those facing homelessness and help them rebuild their lives with dignity.”

Last Edited by:Mildred Europa Taylor Updated: June 21, 2024

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