While there are laundromats all around the country, they are a place that most people would rather avoid going to, if it at all possible. They are hot, boring, and people simply sit there waiting for their clothes to be cleaned and dried. Most people would much rather have an in-home washer and dryer, so they can do other things as the cleaning process takes place. The good news is that there may be some financial help for ex-felons with buying a washer and dryer.
Being able to buy a washer and dryer is a great thing that makes it convenient to keep the clothing and bedding clean. Purchasing a new set, however, is not always affordable. Many people who struggle financially may not readily have the funds available to purchase a washer and dryer. This is why knowing about helpful programs is essential and can make a world of difference.
There are not many programs that are going to hand out money to go buy a washer and dryer, in all honesty. This is because having a washer and dryer in your home is not considered a necessity. It is considered a luxury item. Still, there is helpful ways for people who want a washer and dryer and may not have the funds to go buy a new one. Check out the programs below to find a program or method that will work for your situation.
Ways to Get Financial Help for Ex-Felons with Buying a Washer and Dryer
Here are several ways to get financial help or make it more affordable to buy a washer and dryer. Use as many of them that you feel will help you be able to get the units.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has thrift stores all around the country, where people in the community donate items they no longer want. Contact the Salvation Army thrift stores in your area to see if they have any washer and dryer units available. If they do, they would likely sell them at an affordable rate, or they may give them to you if you show that you have a low income. To find a Salvation Army location near you, click here.
Local Churches – Contact some of the churches in the area where you live and let them know you need help purchasing a washer and dryer. They may have a program in place to help with meeting the needs of those in the community, or they may be able to ask their congregation to donate money to help you buy one, or someone in the congregation may have one to donate to you.
Goodwill Industries – This is a huge thrift store chain around the country. All the items they receive are donated to them, and from the sales of the products they use a portion to help people in the community. Contact them to see if they have any washer and dryer units they could sell to you at an affordable rate, or if they have any that you could have if you show you have a low income. To find a Goodwill thrift store near you, click here.
Rent to Own – There are many rent to own type of stores that provide financial help for people who want to purchase appliances. They make the process easier and more affordable, by allowing you to take the new units home with you, and then pay on them monthly until they are paid in full. You are considered to be renting them from the company, until you finish making the monthly payments. Once you finish making the payments, then you own the units. Good an online search for a rent to own appliance center near you, to see which stores offer this type of program.
Craigslist – Check the curb alerts that are listed on Craigslist to see if anyone is giving away a free washer and dryer in your area. The same can be done in Facebook curb alert groups in your area, or on Nextdoor. People who are upgrading their washer and dryer often still have units that work just fine. They will post in these places, offering the units for free to anyone who can go pick them up.
Habitat for Humanity – This organization helps people who have a low income, and they may provide some financial help for ex-felons to buy a washer and dryer. They have thrift stores that also have many housing items and supplies. Their thrift stores are called Habitat ReStore. They are places that receive items donated by people in the community, and then they sell them at a discounted price. Contact one of the locations in your area to see if they can help you get a washer and dryer. To find your local Habitat ReStore, click here.
Find a Rebate – The federal government gives some rebates on appliances. This varies by year, but at times they will give rebates on purchasing appliances that are considered to be more energy efficient. It is a good idea to check their rebate finder periodically to see what they are offering rebates on. This is a good way to get financial help with buying a washer and dryer. You would have to put the money up front to make the purchase, but then you would get the money back from the federal government in the form of a rebate. To access the federal governments rebate finder, click here.
In addition to these ideas to help you get a washer and dryer, be sure to let friends and family know you are looking for an affordable option. They may know someone who is giving a set away, or may know if additional programs that will be helpful. Also, be sure to check the Facebook Marketplace for low cost options, visit garage and yard sales, and see if there are any places offering low interest credit specialist for purchasing a new washer and dryer set.
