Since the end of 2019, the Woodhill Community Co-op has held free laundry days and community care pop-up events, distributing laundry supplies, masks, and household products to neighbors. This week, the co-op is holding its first conference to raise funds for its long-term goal of starting a cooperatively owned laundromat, cafe, and gathering space in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood.

Funding for the Woodhill Co-op Conference came from a surprise $25,000 grant from the Saint Luke’s Foundation. The co-op voted on how to use the money, which was the largest sum it had ever received at one time. After deciding on a conference for educating and networking with the community, the co-op team members started organizing the event in January. The conference will be the co-op’s first event raising money for startup costs, Bulger said