Trying to find a place to wash your clothes when you live homeless is an endless challenge, says Donna. She’d recently got a load done thanks to her brother, who is staying at a local motel where there are washing machines available for $2 a load. Otherwise, “I basically just have to throw my clothes away and start over once they’ve gotten wet so many times that they’re going moldy,” says Donna. It’s not uncommon for locals to get themselves drunk enough to spend the night at the Sobering Centre, just for the benefit of getting their clothes washed in the 12 hours they’re there. Donna has been living on the Block off and on for the last 5 years, but gets home to Alert Bay when she can.