Retail

Vending machines provide free essentials to Orlando homeless

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December 2, 2020

The Sunshine Coin Laundry in Parramore, Florida, has a vending machine that offers free supplies for the homeless, one of five such machines to be installed, according to an Orlando Sentinel report.

The machine offers essentials such as laundry soap, toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products.

In its first week, 52 people signed up to receive access cards that allow two free items per week from the machine, said Briana Daniel, executive director of Street Team Movement, the nonprofit that installed the first machine. She plans to install more machines in Orlando.

The machines address the needs of the homeless, which have been increasing due to the evictions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Awesome Foundation provided a $1,000 grant for the machines, and companies provided donations.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected convenience services, click here.