Furniture Loan
The furniture loan program is intended to help new international students and scholars who have just arrived in Madison and need furniture. Furniture may be rented from MFIS and should be returned to MFIS when it is no longer needed. Prices vary according to item. All the furniture has been donated by Madison residents. Click here for more on how the furniture loan operates
The storage garage, donated by Dale Heights Presbyterian Church (which plays no other role in the furniture program) is located at 5501 University Avenue, and is open to students or donors the first Saturday of each month from 11-12, except December, January, and July. Open ALSO the last 2 Saturdays of August and the first 2 Saturdays in September, 11-12 AM. In 2006 that is August 19, 26 and September 2, 9. Students who cannot come during regular hours can call or email the MFIS office to make an appointment with the Furniture Loan Coordinator. Students and donors are encouraged to find their own transportation for moving the furniture, though sometimes help can be arranged. To email the MFIS office click MFIS.
Other sources for inexpensive, used furniture:
- Garage sales: A U.S. tradition! Walk or drive around local neighborhoods and look for families advertising small sales in their yards or garages, generally on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer months.
- The SWAP sale on Friday mornings at 2102 Wright Street, two blocks north of the MATC campus on Madison's far east side. SWAP has primarily office furniture like chairs, desks, shelves, and computers. Click here for more information.
- “Goodwill Industries” and “Saint Vincent de Paul” Stores. Look for local store locations in the Business section of the Madison phone book or online.
- For other suggestions, please look under "Furniture and Household Appliances" on the MFIS Community Resources Guide: http://www.iss.wisc.edu/mfis/resources/furniture.htm.