Furniture Loan
The furniture loan program is intended to help new international students and scholars who have just arrived in Madison and need furniture. There is a non-refundable handling charge from $1 to $30 per item. Furniture loaned should be returned to MFIS when no longer needed. Most of the furniture has been donated by Madison residents, and maybe heavily used. 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 behind the church 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, 9-12 AM. In 2009 that is August 22, 29 and September 5, 12. 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 often delivery can be arranged. A map of the Furniture Storage Place. 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 next 3 generally will NOT have beds:
- The SWAP sale on Fridays, 1061 Thousand Oaks Trail, Verona, WI 53593. SWAP has primarily office furniture like chairs, desks, shelves, and computers. Click for SWAP 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.
- The HospiceCare Thrift Store, 122 Junction Road, Madison, WI 53717.
- 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.