Nurse provides homeless place to wash clothes in Federal Way | Citizen of the Month

Published 2:58 pm Friday, June 26, 2015

As a licensed practical nurse for Group Health in Federal Way for over 20 years, Sharry Edwards said it’s her job to treat her patients with dignity.

Edwards was nominated by Federal Way Councilman Martin Moore as the Federal Way Mirror’s June Citizen of the Month.

Edwards, a board member and volunteer for the Federal Way Community Caregiving Network, said treating the homeless should be no different.

“I believe the homeless and people less fortunate need to be treated with dignity and respect,” Edwards said. “I think the way the U.S. deals with the homeless is completely backwards. I treat these homeless like I treat my patients. I would never treat one different than the other. Society doesn’t realize that some of these people have fallen on hard times. It’s a series of events that have gotten them to this place.”

Moore nominated Edwards because of the proactive steps she took recently to expand the Caregiving  Network’s laundry program from twice a year to once a month. The laundry program provides a place and time each month where individuals struggling to meet basic needs can come and wash their clothes and blankets, free of charge.

“It’s so wonderful to see her in action, caring for the homeless. She listens to these people authentically,” Moore said. “It’s amazing how much she does.”

Last December, Edwards said she had heard about the laundry program and decided to attend the program at Dash Point Laundry. She quickly learned that the laundry program was only offered once before, eight months prior.

“I went to the second laundry event in December and I met Mary,” Edwards said. “She told me she was newly homeless.”

Edwards learned that Mary lived in the woods and discovered that she couldn’t get all her clothes to the laundromat, so Edwards went with Mary to help her pick up her clothes.

“There was story after story; I wanted to do more,” Edwards said. “I went to the Caregiving board and asked if we could (do the laundry program) more often, and if so, I would take it on as a regular project. (The board) unanimously agreed.”

Edwards quickly dispersed invitations to the laundry program out to the three weekly suppers sponsored by the Caregiving Network.

Through invitations and word of mouth, the laundry program since January has averaged 15-20 guests.

“Most of our guests live in their vehicles. Some live in the woods; some live in shelters. They’re underprivileged,” Edwards said. “The only times they get their clothes washed is at this event, which is why I wanted to push it to once a month.”

Edwards said the Caregiving Network is very appreciative to be partnered with Dash Point Laundry.

“We have the capacity of the huge washing machines,” Edwards said. “For every $60 I spend, they add an additional $15 for us.”

Individuals and businesses have donated soaps and fabric softeners. A modest budget helps support the washing of clothes.

“All they need to do is show up with their clothes,” Edwards said. “I also make them delicious sandwiches.”

On Wednesday, more than 20 homeless guests arrived with their clothes, the most Edwards had seen attend since January.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell also attended to talk with the homeless guests. Ferrell said Edwards’s work with the laundry program dovetails nicely with the city’s efforts to build a day shelter, a regional hygiene center where homeless guests could bathe, shower, check their mail and use the Internet.

“I think Sharry is fantastic,” Ferrell said. “She has a real good heart for the less fortunate.”

Mark Cowans, 54, has come to the laundry program twice. Two months ago, his unemployment ran out. He said he’s been homeless for four months.

“I don’t want to be homeless,” Cowans said. “I’m working towards not being homeless.”

Cowans said it’s possible he may be able to return to work in a month. Until then, he said it’s nice to have the laundry program available.

“It gives people who have no resources an opportunity,” Cowans said. “It gives us a sense of dignity.”

If you donate

Edwards invites those who want to donate money or soap and fabric softener, or who would like to volunteer, to email her at sharryedwards@comcast.net