Wash Smart Laundry is concluding its three-week community assistance program on November 26, 2025, providing free laundry services to an additional 850 families across its 17 locations in Chicago. This initiative, launched on November 12, was created in response to recent disruptions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which left nearly 2 million residents in Illinois without food assistance.
The federal government shutdown that occurred in early November halted SNAP benefits, impacting approximately 900,000 individuals in Chicago alone, as reported by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Although benefits resumed on November 20 following a 43-day halt, many residents continue to experience financial difficulties. Wash Smart’s program aims to alleviate one of the many burdens families face during this challenging period.
Joey Gilb, the Chief Operating Officer of Wash Smart Laundry, emphasized the importance of community support. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. 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,” he stated.
Program Details and Community Impact
On November 26, the first 50 customers at each Wash Smart location will receive laundry cards valued at $10 each, enough to cover a complete wash and dry cycle. These cards are valid indefinitely and do not require an application process. During operational hours, SNAP recipients can simply present their benefit card at the counter between 05:00 and 00:00 to obtain a laundry card.
The initiative has garnered support from several local officials, including Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman, Alderman Julia M. Ramirez, Alderman Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, and Alderman Derrick G. Curtis, as well as State Representative Matt Hanson. These leaders have actively shared information about the program with residents in their districts, enhancing its reach across communities, particularly on Chicago’s South and West sides, and in suburban areas such as Addison, Elgin, Franklin Park, Montgomery, Niles, and West Chicago.
Each of the 17 Wash Smart locations, from its Kedzie Avenue stores serving the Southwest Side of Chicago to its suburban sites in DuPage and Cook counties, participates in this distribution effort.
How to Participate
Families with valid SNAP cards can take advantage of this offer at any Wash Smart Laundry location on November 26 during regular business hours. The 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 17 laundromats across Chicago and its suburbs, providing self-service, drop-off, and delivery options. The company prioritizes accessibility and community engagement, ensuring 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 laundromats, visit https://www.washsmartlaundry.com.
Media inquiries can be directed to Sam Silver at Wash Smart Laundry via telephone at (773) 234-4096 or email at [email protected].
