My cleaner, Caroline (yes it *is* awesome having a cleaner, thanks for asking) is trying to set herself up as a proper small business. It's tough times, but she's a hard worker. What she really needs are reliable customers.
The people who need their houses cleaned the most aren't childless middle-class folk like me. The people who need it - really, REALLY need it - are people who are caring for someone chronically ill, or are recently bereaved.
It isn't just hard to keep your house in order under those circumstances. It's impossible.
And when your life is falling apart, having your house do the same around you is one of the most depressing things imaginable. A dirty, messy house just makes everything that little bit worse.
If you've ever lived around death or chronic illness, you'll probably be nodding right now. For the rest of you - trust us on this one.
The idea
- I contact Arthur Rank house, Careline, other local Cambridge organisations, to see if they'd be happy setting up connections with the people who use their services.
- I set up a charitable fund and a little financial infrastructure.
- Those so inclined throw some money in.
- We pay Caroline to go clean houses for carers & bereaved people.
Caroline charges about £10 an hour for house cleaning. For every person who throws £10 into the pot, or makes a standing order/direct debit for £10, that's an hour of cleaning, no variations. (And this lady can get a lot done in an hour, I've seen her.)
Who's with me? Anyone?
Speak up in the comments if you think this is a good idea - if people are interested, I'll get started.
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