Thank you for your interest in the MFIS Furniture program. Please note we are not a used furniture store, but only a volunteer run organization with a garage where we store furniture. We do not have regular hours of operation outside of our open house dates. The used furniture we offer to you is donated to us by people in Madison. So we do not have an inventory list, no pictures of the furniture, nor do we take reservations or requests. Our volunteers simply do the best they can to serve international students on a first come, first served basis.
We currently have only one desk. But we have many chairs, shelves, single beds, some round dining tables, etc.
Our handling charges depend on how heavy and difficult the furniture is to handle, not on value or price.
Small items, like kitchen tools, dishes, hangers, waste basket, bedding items are free in small quantities to anybody who is paying a handling charge for other items and has filled in the Furniture Loan Agreement.
The handling charges are not refundable; we accept cash or check only. The student may keep the furniture as long as enrolled at the UW or Madison colleges. Upon leaving Madison please return the furniture and/or contact a volunteer. No charge when returning furniture.
Types of items that may normally be available:
Beds – single box spring or mattress: $10 each, double $15
Iron bedframe: $5, wooden or with headboard: $20
Complete single $20, with wood frame $30, Full/double: $30, Queen: $40
Sleeper sofa, Convert-a-bed, Futon: $40
Couch/Sofa: $30, small couch/loveseat: $20
Office chair on wheels: $10
Dining or desk chair: $5
Dining or kitchen table: $15-35
Computer or study desk with drawers and/or hutch: $10-30
Cupboard/shelf: $5-20
Chest of drawers: $10-30
Anything with an electric cord: $1++
Lamp: $5, Floor lamp: $10
Microwave, vacuum cleaner: $10
Iron, coffee maker, hot plate, etc: $3
How does it work?
Set up an appointment with a furniture volunteer: email furniture@mfismadison.org
You choose the furniture from what is available at that time, pay the handling charge, and take the furniture to your house immediately.
If you cannot transport the furniture yourself, we will try to provide this soon on the same day.
Directions to the MFIS garage, where furniture is stored. This is not a store and staffed only by appointment.
5501 University Avenue in a garage behind the Dale Heights Presbyterian Church in Madison. From University Ave walk or drive west on Norman Way for about 100m/300 feet just past the church. Go up the driveway by the 5501 mailbox.
By bus weekdays: #70,D71,73 to Norman Way stop
By bus weekends & holidays: #8 Norman Way&Univ Ave stop – one bus per hour only.
Mike (coordinator of furniture loan program)
Michael von Schneidemesser (aka Mike vonS)
Madison Friends of International Students, Furniture Loan
3555 Tally Ho Lane, Madison, WI 53705-2126
608-233-3051, cell sometimes 608-620-8780
