Goals

Problem statement:

Our goal is to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable group in Akhalsheni. The community is inhabited by economic migrants, who still have problems of social and economic integration.

Many people cannot afford a washing machine, and so they struggle to stay clean. This is especially true of people with mobility issues, who cannot use communal facilities. Once a week, we will go to their apartments to collect and return laundered clothes. Government assistance does not offer help, and often, people are too ashamed to ask for help.

Proposed Solution:

To help them, we want to start a “Social Laundry Service.” It will be available in a specific area where volunteers will individuals with mobility problems use our service. 5 families, including 12 people, are our first target. If successful, we will spread our service in the city and to neighbouring regions with similar problems.

To get our project off the ground, we need to repair our facilities. This includes repairing the toilet and installing more washing machines. The work will be carried out by a technician and 5 community volunteers.

We will advertise our service on TV, on social media, and through the government.

Sustainability:

Sustainability of the project will be provided by the fact, that the service has a long term need and in case of a proper management, it can significantly reduce the labor for the project beneficiaries. The item until amortized will be used by project beneficiaries and the community of other potential vulnerable groups.

We believe that the project will be a good example for local authorities, for them to tailor their future social policies for socially vulnerable people’s long-term needs. Volunteer groups will advocate this idea to introduce a similar service in other communities.

Equal gender opportunity:

Gender component of the project lies in the fact that the benefits are almost evenly distributed between 5 women and 7 men.
Besides, beneficiaries are considered as members of vulnerable groups, thus represent gender-sensitive category: a widowed man who is forced to undertake roles of both women and a man caring for his disabled child, a lonely senior citizen, and single mothers and citizens with bad health conditions.