COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus non-profit that helps provide furniture to families in need is expanding to meet what organization leaders say is a growing need.
“What we do is not just provide essential furniture, but provide an opportunity for people to actually stabilizing their living,” Development Director for the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio Christine Mills said.
With its current space, the nonprofit can help about 3,500 families a year, according to Mills. But she said there are thousands more who could benefit from the furniture they provide.
“There is a bigger need. There is definitely a bigger need to serve, and I think it’s only going to get greater as the housing market is a challenge and people are trying to make ends meet,” Mills said. “So yes, absolutely, we anticipate and have seen our services are absolutely needed.”
It’s why the furniture bank has been working on its Furnish Our Community Plan. A new, 50,000-square-foot warehouse is included in the plan. Construction is ongoing. A new woodshop will also be in the new facility.
With the expanded space, the nonprofit will be able to expand its showroom for clients. Columbus City Council approved $2 million to support the furniture bank’s plan.
“We continue to grow as a city and as a region. We see this as part of critical infrastructure that’s going to be necessary to keep folks in their homes and turn every single household into a home for folks,” Councilmember Nick Bankston said.
Mills said once the plan is complete, the furniture bank will be able to help 6,000 families a year.
“It’s needed to help us expand to serve more community members. Our neighbors that are really in need, that are going through a crisis,” she said.
The $2 million is the single largest gift the nonprofit has received in its 27-year history, according to Mills.
