Wash Smart Laundry has initiated a community assistance program that provides free laundry services to families impacted by recent disruptions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Chicago. The three-week initiative, which concludes on November 26, 2025, has supported a total of 1,350 households, including 850 additional families since the program’s launch on November 12.
The program was established in response to a federal government shutdown that halted SNAP benefits for nearly 2 million residents in Illinois, with approximately 900,000 in Chicago affected. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, benefits were restored on November 20, following a 43-day suspension. Despite this restoration, many families continue to experience financial difficulties, prompting Wash Smart to step in with this relief effort.
Community Support and Accessibility
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Joey Gilb, Chief Operating Officer of Wash Smart Laundry. “This program is one way we can say thank you and offer real help to families in our community who are under added stress right now.”
On the final day of the program, the first 50 customers at each of Wash Smart’s 17 locations will receive laundry cards worth $10 each. These cards can cover a complete wash and dry cycle and will remain valid indefinitely, requiring no application process. SNAP recipients can obtain a laundry card simply by presenting their benefit card at the counter between 5 a.m. and midnight.
The initiative has garnered support from several local officials, including Aldermen Stephanie D. Coleman, Julia M. Ramirez, Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, and Derrick G. Curtis, as well as State Representative Matt Hanson. These officials have been instrumental in promoting the program among residents in their districts.
Locations and Community Impact
Wash Smart’s program has reached communities across Chicago’s South and West sides, in addition to several suburban areas, including Addison, Elgin, Franklin Park, Montgomery, Niles, and West Chicago. Each of the company’s laundromats is participating, making the service widely accessible. Locations range from stores on Kedzie Avenue, serving the Southwest Side of Chicago, to suburban sites in DuPage and Cook counties.
Families in need can visit any Wash Smart Laundry location on November 26, during regular business hours, to receive their free laundry card. 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 Laundry operates a total of 17 laundromats in Chicago and its suburbs, offering self-service, drop-off, and delivery options. The company emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, aiming to provide quality care for customers in the region. Each location is equipped with high-efficiency machines, extended hours, spacious parking, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly Kids Zones.
For more information about the program or to find participating laundromats, visit washsmartlaundry.com.
