You’re in reentry and have finally found a place. Now you need to furnish it. But you can’t find the furniture you need. It might too expensive to buy new, or the used items you see on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are just not suitable. Don’t worry. There’s another alternative. Consider a furniture bank.
Like the food banks that prevent people from going hungry, furniture banks offer those who need it a chance to live in a home that is well furnished with beds, tables, couches and other things.
According to the Furniture Bank Network, a Toronto-based nonprofit organization, there are 149 furniture bank members throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each is an independent organization with its own rules and requirements.
Many, if not most of them, require that those who want to receive free furniture work with a case worker from one of their partner organizations. For example, Community Warehouse in Portland, Ore., lists its many partner agencies on its website and includes links to their websites and the type of clients they serve.
In some cases, there may be a fee involved to use the furniture bank’s services or deliver the items, but this may be covered by the participating partner agencies.
Furniture banks may offer items beyond furniture
The type of items that are available vary, depending on the organization. It may just be furniture but could include everything from towels and TVs to pots and pans. To get an idea, check out the list of donated items that home sweet home in St. Louis will accept.
Most of the furniture and other items are donated by individuals. The organizations often pick up the items for free but sometimes charge the donors for the service. Some of the items may come from furniture companies that donate returned items, cancelled shipments and/or excess inventory to receive a tax deduction or show their commitment to the community where they do business.
The nonprofits in return not only supply furniture to those who need it, but they keep thousands – if not millions – of tons of waste out of landfills each year.
If you feel that you’re qualified and would like to receive free furniture, here are the steps you will need to take:
- Check the Furniture Bank Network directory to see if there is a furniture bank in your area.
- Determine the eligibility criteria. This may be based on income, living situation or whether you belong to a specific group, such as those who have been previously incarcerated.
- Visit the website of a furniture bank near you to see if you have to be referred by a partner agency.
- If you do need to be referred, contact the agency and learn how to become their client. Otherwise fill out any necessary forms required by the furniture bank, and make an appointment. Some furniture banks do virtual appointments but most require that you come in to their warehouse to choose your items.
- Arrange for delivery. If the furniture bank provides delivery, decide whether you’ll have them do this or you will do it yourself.
After your new space is furnished, you can begin the process of settling into your new routine and the life you’re building. Be gentle with yourself. Be open to wonder. And keep going.
