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From K-9 Unit to Clean Clothes: Retired Officer Runs Free Mobile Laundry for the Homeless

Retired Frederick K-9 officer Wade Milyard converted a bus into Fresh Step Laundry, a free mobile wash-and-fold service for people experiencing homelessness. After a spiritual prompting while responding to a call in spring 2024, he used personal funds and donations to outfit the vehicle. Today he completes dozens of loads each week, saying clean clothes help restore dignity and boost self-worth for clients like Chris Washington.

03:08 PM, 11/22/2025Society

Frederick, Maryland — Wade Milyard, a 45-year-old retired K-9 officer, has converted a bus into a mobile laundry service that offers free wash-and-fold assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Operating under the name Fresh Step Laundry, he stops where he is needed in Frederick and completes dozens of loads each week.

Before retirement, Milyard served as a canine officer with the Frederick Police Department. Though he left active policing behind, he wanted to continue serving his community.

About 18 months ago, while still on the force in spring 2024, Milyard responded to a domestic disturbance at a homeless encampment. As he was finishing with the couple involved, he says he heard a voice that he believes came from God telling him to "ask them about their laundry." The couple said they rinsed clothes in a nearby creek. That moment inspired him to act.

Using personal funds and donations, Milyard renovated a bus and outfitted it with washing machines and dryers to create Fresh Step Laundry — a free fluff-and-fold service for people who otherwise lack access to laundry facilities. He now does dozens of loads each week for clients such as Chris Washington.

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

"That's the thing — you're doing it to maybe give them a little bit of boost," Milyard said. He describes the work as humbling and sometimes unpleasant, but says the sense of purpose outweighs any discomfort. "If having clean clothes can help them just a little bit, then my mission is fulfilled," he added.

Impact and how to help

Fresh Step Laundry aims to restore dignity and improve wellbeing by providing clean clothing and the small but meaningful boost that comes with it. Milyard funds the operation with his own money and accepts donations to cover supplies and maintenance. Those interested in supporting the project can reach out locally to learn how to contribute funds, laundry supplies, or time.

Note: This account is based on firsthand quotes and Milyard's description of how the project began and operates.

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