Pontiac, Michigan – The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is facing an urgent shortage of donations, leaving over 120 families in the region without essential household furnishings, according to a report from ClickOnDetroit. The organization, which has been serving the community for over five decades, is particularly in need of dining room tables and dressers.
The current shortfall comes during a traditionally unhurried donation period, as colder weather and a lull in home sales contribute to fewer contributions, explained Steve Mattar, a longtime board member. “Right now, we have 40 families in line for furniture who we can’t fulfill the need due to the fact that we just don’t have it in our warehouse,” Mattar stated. “It’s a really hard thing to say to them, ‘We’re going to do it, we just don’t have it yet.’”
Founded in 1969, the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is the oldest furniture bank in North America, providing support to families transitioning from homelessness, domestic violence, fire, flood, and other crisis situations. The organization serves Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties, working with 70 local social service agencies to distribute furniture to those in need.
The need extends to a critical issue of bed poverty, with approximately 20,000 children in Metro Detroit lacking a dedicated place to sleep. The Furniture Bank estimates a $250 donation can provide a novel mattress, foundation, pillow, and bedding for a child. The organization recently completed a “1,000 Beds Challenge,” successfully funding 880 beds through community donations, raising over $200,000, including $184,704 in offline contributions.
Diane Charles, President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit, leads the organization, which supports families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Furniture Bank offers a pickup service for donated furniture and mattresses.
According to the organization, a $250 donation can similarly provide a full set of furniture for families transitioning out of homelessness or escaping domestic violence. The Furniture Bank aims to ensure vulnerable families have properly furnished homes, and that every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is currently seeking donations through its website, furniture-bank.org.