Laundry Remodel and Expansion
Laundry Remodel and Expansion
- Sponsoring Organization: City Hope Tempe
- City/State: Tempe, Ariz.
- Grant Program: Emerging Leader
- Grant Amount: $15,000
Leader Profile:
Derek Barksdale is the project leader and Site Manager of City Hope Tempe’s resource center, which held its public launch in February 2025. Though relatively new to nonprofit leadership, Barksdale brings a strong background in education and ministry. He spent eight years teaching at a Christian school in Southern California, working with students from preschool to high school, before serving as a Next Gen Pastor in West Phoenix for two years. After a brief hiatus from vocational ministry, Barksdale joined the staff of Citypoint Church in Tempe in 2022, leading its college ministry. In July 2024, he stepped into his current role, overseeing the resource center’s daily operations and development.
Project Summary:
City Hope Tempe’s Laundry Remodel and Expansion will enhance its ability to serve the community by increasing access to free laundry services. Currently, the facility serves 90-110 unhoused individuals once a month. With more energy/water-efficient machines and an expanded footprint, the program will provide laundry services every Saturday, benefiting an estimated 50-60 households per month in addition to the existing services for unhoused individuals. The laundry service will complement City Hope Tempe’s resource center, which offers food, hygiene products, and clothing at no cost. As a ministry of Citypoint Church, City Hope Tempe seeks to provide relief, build relationships, and share the message of Jesus, viewing this service as both a practical necessity and an opportunity to extend Christ’s love to the community.
