In response to recent disruptions in SNAP benefits, Wash Smart Laundry has provided free laundry services to 1,350 families across Chicago. The initiative, which concludes on November 26, 2025, aims to support residents facing financial difficulties due to a federal government shutdown that left many without essential food assistance.
The Chicago-based laundromat chain launched its community assistance program on November 12, offering free laundry services at its 17 locations. The effort came after a 43-day interruption in SNAP benefits, affecting nearly 2 million Illinois residents, including approximately 900,000 in the Chicago area, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Community Support During Financial Strain
Although benefits were restored on November 20, many families continue to feel the financial strain. Wash Smart’s program aims to alleviate some of this burden by covering essential laundry costs. “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 location will receive laundry cards valued at $10 each, sufficient to cover a full wash and dry cycle. These cards will remain valid indefinitely and require no application process. SNAP recipients can simply present their benefit card at the counter from 5 a.m. to midnight to obtain a laundry card.
Reaching Communities Across Chicago
The initiative has garnered support from local officials, including Aldermen Stephanie D. Coleman, Julia M. Ramirez, Jeylú B. Gutiérrez, Derrick G. Curtis, and State Representative Matt Hanson, who have helped disseminate information about the program to residents in their districts. The program spans various neighborhoods, particularly on 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 locations, from those on Kedzie Avenue serving the Southwest Side to its suburban sites in DuPage and Cook counties, participates in the distribution of laundry cards. This initiative not only provides a necessary service but also strengthens community ties during challenging times.
Families with valid SNAP cards are encouraged to visit any Wash Smart Laundry location on November 26 during regular business hours to receive a free laundry card. For more information about the program and participating locations, visit the Wash Smart Laundry website.
Wash Smart Laundry operates 17 laundromats throughout Chicago and its suburbs, offering self-service, drop-off, and delivery options. Committed to accessibility and community engagement, each location features high-efficiency machines, extended hours, spacious parking, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly facilities.
For further details or assistance, interested families can contact Wash Smart Laundry directly through their media contact, Sam Silver, at (773) 234-4096 or via email at [email protected].
