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Retired Frederick K-9 Officer Turns Bus into Free Mobile Laundry to Help People Experiencing Homelessness

Former Frederick K-9 officer Wade Milyard, 45, converted a bus into Fresh Step Laundry, a free mobile fluff-and-fold service for people experiencing homelessness. Prompted by a spring 2024 call and a voice he believes was from God, he used personal funds and donations to launch the project. The service now completes dozens of loads each week, offering recipients cleaner clothes and a small but meaningful boost in dignity.

08:19 AM, 11/22/2025Society

In Frederick, Maryland, 45-year-old Wade Milyard drives a converted bus outfitted with washing machines and dryers to provide free laundry services to people experiencing homelessness. Operating as Fresh Step Laundry, he pulls up where needed to wash, dry and fold clothing — an everyday service many in the community lack.

Before this work, Milyard served as a K-9 officer with the Frederick Police Department. While still on duty about 18 months ago, a spring 2024 call to a homeless encampment changed the course of his retirement plans: he says he heard a voice he believes was from God telling him to "ask them about their laundry." When he learned some residents were washing clothes in a nearby creek, he decided to act.

Using personal funds and community donations, Milyard converted a bus into a mobile laundry and launched a free fluff-and-fold service. The operation now completes dozens of loads each week, serving people who might otherwise have no access to clean clothing.

"This is just something that they don't have, you know? I wanted to serve," Milyard said.

Recipients and volunteers say the impact goes beyond clean clothes. Chris Washington, one person helped by the service, explained the emotional lift clean clothing can give:

"If you're clean, you just feel better. You feel a little bit more proud of yourself."

Milyard describes the work as sometimes humbling and unpleasant, but deeply rewarding. "If having clean clothes can help them just a little bit, then my mission is fulfilled," he said. Fresh Step Laundry relies on donations and occasional volunteers, and Milyard hopes the project will inspire others to find practical ways to restore dignity to people in need.

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