Wash Smart Laundry has concluded a three-week initiative, offering free laundry services to families affected by disruptions in SNAP benefits in Chicago. The program, which ends on November 26, 2025, has provided complimentary washing services to a total of 1,350 households, including 850 families who benefited from the final phase of assistance.
The initiative was launched on November 12 in response to a federal government shutdown that left nearly 2 million Illinois residents without food assistance. This included approximately 900,000 people in the Chicago area, as reported by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Although SNAP benefits were restored on November 20, many families continue to feel the financial impact of the disruption.
Community Support and Accessibility
Wash Smart aimed to alleviate some of the burden on families during this challenging time by covering essential laundry expenses. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” stated 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, Wash Smart will distribute laundry cards valued at $10 to the first 50 customers at each of its 17 locations. These cards will cover a full wash and dry cycle, and they remain valid indefinitely without requiring any application process. During operational hours, SNAP recipients can present their benefit card at the counter from 5 a.m. to midnight to receive a laundry card.
Widespread Impact Across Chicago
The initiative has garnered support from local leaders, including Aldermen Stephanie D. Coleman, Julia M. Ramirez, Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, and Derrick G. Curtis, as well as State Representative Matt Hanson. They have actively shared information about the program with residents in their districts, helping to ensure that families in need are aware of the support available.
Wash Smart’s program reaches communities across Chicago’s South and West sides, as well as suburban areas such as Addison, Elgin, Franklin Park, Montgomery, Niles, and West Chicago. Each of the company’s laundromats, from its locations on Kedzie Avenue serving the Southwest Side to its suburban sites in DuPage and Cook counties, participated in the distribution of laundry services.
Participating Locations and Future Initiatives
Families with valid SNAP cards can visit any Wash Smart Laundry location on November 26, during regular business hours to receive a 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
Wash Smart Laundry operates a total of 17 laundromats across Chicago and surrounding suburbs, offering various services including self-service, drop-off, and delivery options. The company is dedicated to community engagement and aims to provide quality care for customers throughout the region. Each location features 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 locations, visit https://www.washsmartlaundry.com.
As communities continue to navigate the aftermath of the SNAP disruptions, initiatives like Wash Smart’s provide crucial support for families facing financial challenges.
