#USA #Chicago #SNAP Program #Wash Smart Laundry #Chicago Families

Wash Smart Laundry Provides Free Services

In a commendable initiative to support families facing hardships, Wash Smart Laundry in Chicago has launched a program to offer free laundry services to residents affected by recent disruptions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This community assistance scheme will resume its final phase on November 26, escalating the total number served to 1,350 families by including an additional 850 families in its free service offerings.

Background of the Initiative

The program was initiated on November 12, coinciding with a partial government shutdown that halted SNAP benefits for approximately 2 million residents in Illinois, including around 900,000 in Chicago. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, these benefits were only reinstated on November 20, following a 43-day interruption. In light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by these families, Wash Smart recognized an urgent need to alleviate some of the financial pressure they were experiencing.

Joey Gilb, the Chief Operating Officer of Wash Smart Laundry, articulated the company's core values: "Our customers are the essence of everything we do. This program is a way for us to express our gratitude and offer tangible support to families in our community overwhelmed by additional stress during this time."

Services Offered

As a part of this assistance, on the program's closing day, Wash Smart will distribute $10 laundry cards to the first 50 customers at each of their 17 participating locations. These cards can be redeemed for a full washing and drying cycle, remaining valid indefinitely and requiring no application process. During the program hours, SNAP beneficiaries can present their benefits card at any of the laundromat locations between 5 a.m. and midnight to receive their free laundry card.

Community Impact

The reach of this program extends throughout various neighborhoods in Chicago's South and West sides, as well as suburban areas such as Addison, Elgin, Franklin Park, Montgomery, Niles, and West Chicago. All 17 Wash Smart locations are involved in the distribution process, ranging from their stores on Kedzie Avenue catering to the southwest side of Chicago to suburban sites in Dupage and Cook counties.

This initiative has garnered support from local officials—ALDS members Stephanie D. Coleman, Julia M. Ramirez, Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, and Derrick G. Curtis, along with State Representative Matt Hanson—who have actively disseminated information about the program within their respective districts.

Visit and Participate

Families with valid SNAP cards are encouraged to visit any Wash Smart Laundry location on November 26 during regular business hours to receive their complimentary laundry card. Some participating locations include:

• - 4646 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
• - 3319 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60632
• - 5926 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629
• - 4314 W Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
• - 6450 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
• - 4030 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
• - 5112 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
• - 2523 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
• - 2005 W 79th St, Chicago, IL 60620
• - 4446 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
• - 9515 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
• - 511 N Addison Rd, Addison, IL 60101
• - 425 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
• - 616 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
• - 8940 N Greenwood Ave, Niles, IL 60714
• - 8716 W Golf Rd, Niles, IL 60714
• - 149 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago, IL 60185

About Wash Smart Laundry

Wash Smart operates 17 laundromats throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs, dedicated to providing accessible self-service, wash-and-fold, and delivery options. The company is committed to community engagement, offering high-quality service with extended hours and ample parking for customers. Wash Smart locations are equipped with high-efficiency machines and provide free Wi-Fi as well as play areas for families.

For more information about the program or to find participating laundromats, please visit Wash Smart Laundry.