WHO WE ARE

Home Again. Two simple words. But establishing a home isn’t always simple. For those in transition from situations of abuse, homelessness, prison or war, for the un- and under-employed or for those with disabilities, the struggle to create a new life is on-going. Part of this struggle involves establishing a home. For those lacking the means or social connections to make that happen, Home Again Furniture Bank can assist.

Home Again Furniture Bank is a nonprofit organization that provides gently-used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need. We work through a referral system of local agencies to help end furniture poverty.

Central to Home Again is a cycle of giving and receiving that provides our most vulnerable citizens the means to create a home. Home Again provides furniture and household items with a focus on generating comfort and dignity to the recipients. Getting a good night’s sleep on a proper bed makes moving forward seem feasible. Having a sofa to relax on with family makes life more enjoyable. Being able to offer family and friends a chair to sit on or a table to gather around brings dignity. Home Again helps to build pride in homes and pride in our community.

Home Again is an eco-friendly organization. Not only does our program help individuals, but we also provide a positive ecological impact as we divert furniture and household items destined for local landfills.

What is a Furniture Bank?

Furniture banks are registered charities, not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises designed to provide gently-used household furnishings to individuals and families in need, at little or no cost.

The movement, which originated in the United States, is now firmly established and continuing to gain momentum in Canada. The basic model involves gently used furniture being donated by people who no longer use it, and transferred to those who are struggling financially to furnish their own homes.

Furniture banks provide some of the most vulnerable citizens the means to create a true home.

How Do We Help?

FURNITURE DONORS

We provide a pick-up service for a small fee to those wishing to donate furniture and household items to Home Again. We accept and store donations from both individuals and businesses. For a complete list of acceptable donations, please see below.

FURNITURE RECIPIENTS

We have partnered with local agencies and organizations who assess client needs and make referrals to Home Again.

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The Areas We Serve

We serve the Northeast Avalon region in NL.

Furniture Donation FAQ

How do I get in touch with you to make an offer of furniture?

The best way to reach us is by email, at: info@homeagainfb.com Please state your name, phone number, and a brief description of the items you have to offer. We will also need any special pick-up information (re: are there stairs? is there adequate parking?). We will reply as soon as possible. If we can accept your offer, you will be added to our list for a pick-up.

How long does it take for you to collect my furniture after you have agreed to accept it?

We try to arrange for pick-ups within a week. How soon we can pick-up your items depends on your location, what you are offering, and current demands on our volunteer movers.

What if I want to donate to Home Again but can’t wait for a pick-up?

At this time, our storage facility is not open to the public. Items cannot be dropped off to us. All pick-ups must be done by members of the Home Again team.

Do you have any geographic limits?

Yes. At present we only pick-up in the northeast Avalon.

Do you charge for picking up furniture?

Yes, there is a small charge for picking up your donated furniture. There are many costs involved in transporting goods; for this reason, Home Again charges a $25 pick-up fee. Payment must be made on day of pick-up. Cash or cheques can be made payable to: Home Again Furniture Bank Outreach Project.

Will you pay me or give me a tax receipt for furniture I donate?

No. We cannot issue a tax receipt for the furniture that you donate. We can, however, issue a charitable tax receipt for any financial donations over $20.

What furniture will you take?

Our needs are subject to change; however the common list of required items includes:

Night tables and dressers
Beds (we do not accept: king size, hospital beds, futons without frames)
End tables and coffee tables
Sofas, loveseats, and armchairs
Dining tables and chairs

For a more extensive list of items that we accept, please see our list of Acceptable Furniture Donations.

What items will you NOT take?

Large appliances (stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers), extra large or heavy items, soft furniture used by animals or smokers, torn or unclean soft furniture, clothing, books, baby items. We reserve the right to refuse any items that do not meet our quality standards. The pick-up team has the authority to make the final decision at the time of pick up.

Do you also accept household items?

Yes. We accept the following:

Lamps
Dishes and cutlery
Pots and pans
Small appliances: flat screen TVs, microwaves, radios, alarm clocks
Bedding and linens

For a more extensive list of items that we accept, please see our list of Acceptable Furniture Donations.

Do I have to prepare items to be picked up?

Furniture must be clean and of a quality that we would take in our own homes. Dishes, linens and small items must be boxed or packed and identified as to contents. Bedding should be labeled as to the bed size (twin, double, or queen). Loose pieces of related items (e.g. nuts, bolts, screws of beds, tables with legs, TV’s with remotes) must be tied or taped together. Please have donations ready on the main floor if at all possible.

Do you take mattresses?

Yes. They must be in good condition, unstained, with accompanying box springs. We are unable to take king-sized mattresses, hospital beds, or futons without frames.

Do you pick up on a particular day of the week?

Items will be picked-up on Fridays during regular work hours. We make every effort to pick-up your donation as quickly as possible. The particular date and time depends on the number of items you donate, the area in which you live, and the demands on our volunteer movers. We will work with you to ensure the time is mutually convenient.

Acceptable Donations

All donations must be clean, in good repair, smoke- and pet hair-free. Smaller donations should be packaged and labelled.

For the safety of its volunteers, Home Again reserves the right to cancel furniture pick-ups and deliveries, as well as refuse pick-up of items that do not meet our standards of cleanliness or good repair.

Download a printable version of acceptable donation items

Night tables and dressers
Beds (do not accept: king, hospital beds or futons)
End tables and coffee tables
Sofas and loveseats
Chairs
Kitchen tables and chairs
Desks
Desk chairs
Bookcases

Lamps
Dishes and cutlery
Pots and pans
Bakeware
Small appliances:
flat screen TVs, microwaves,
radios, alarm clocks
Bedding and linens
Laundry baskets
Hangers (plastic or wooden)

For more information contact:

tel: (709) 325-4040
Email: info@homeagainfb.com

The People that make this happen

Michelle Emberley

Coordinator Michelle is a registered social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from the University of Victoria as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Women's Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Michelle grew up in St. John’s where she has worked in a variety of roles in the public and non-profit sectors. Working with women and providing a variety of supports to women has been one of her most satisfying roles. She has been a volunteer with several community groups, school programs and most recently Turnings’ Circle of Support and Accountability program. Michelle enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. Her hobbies include running, hiking, cycling and going to the gym.

Amy Tulk

Director of Operations After more than 20 years combined experience in management position's, Amy’s communication and organizational skills are like no others. These skills are utilized in Amy’s work with Home Again, as a real estate agent and in her many volunteer activities. With beginnings in small town Newfoundland, Amy learned early-on the importance of community support and helping one’s neighbour. This has lead to her involvement with several service organizations and regular volunteer positions. Amy loves spending time with family, friends and her beloved golden retriever. She also enjoys practicing yoga, hiking & running.

Maureen Lymburner

Director of Development With roots in rural Newfoundland, Maureen has worked everywhere from the Yukon to Botswana and inner-city Jamaica. Maureen has domestic and international experience in community development, training, and community-based research. Engaging the community to assess and respond to need has been a decades long passion. When not working with Home Again, Maureen enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, climbing and reading.

Our Supporters

The generous support of our partners enables Home Again to continue its work in the region.

Corporate Support

Community Support

Corporate Support

Corportae Support

Community Support

Corporate Support

Government Support

Corporate Support

Founding Partner and Community Support

Top Donors

We’d like to acknowledge our incredible donors, whose support enables Home Again to work toward the eradication of furniture poverty in the region.

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VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

"I remember one client who kept saying how much it felt like home again."

"Today was another great day! I was again blessed by being able to help others. One incident that stood out to me today was when we delivered furniture to a lady with a bad back and a bad hip and she could hardly stand up. She was overjoyed with the furniture we brought her and you could tell it meant so much to her.... it was a wonderful day and am looking forward to next time!"

"It was the most meaningful work I've ever done in my life."

"I love the opportunity to get to know other people as you make a difference together."

"When people are so grateful it really warms your heart, one guy insisted that we take a can of Pepsi each because he was so happy with all the new furniture and he had nothing else to give."

"[On a Furniture Friday], I was a driver for one of the two moving vans. Just getting to chat with the other volunteers while driving to the various locations and to learn something about them is very nice in and of itself. However, the thing that struck with me was the joy and appreciation on the faces of the recipients when we drive up, unload, and carry their furniture into their homes."

“I believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity. Home Again provides dignity to so many. Volunteering with Home Again gives me the opportunity to live out what I believe, to offer care and hope with the local community.”

“ [I volunteer] because this cause makes so much sense at this point in our province's life. There is a growing divide between those who have and those who don't but we are missing the mechanism to connect those two groups when it comes to making a house a home. There is an abundant ability to give, and there is an abundant need. Home Again is facilitating the connection… It is good work to do, the right work to do, and this feels good.”

“I decided to volunteer the moment I heard about Home Again. … [I am moved by] how committed and enthusiastic the volunteers are. Everyone is happy to work for the cause. Every encounter is positive and motivating.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“I wish to express heartfelt gratitude to your organization. And not just for the furniture and the dishes....Thank you for the demonstration of simple human kindness. It has meant the world to both me and my daughter. And I feel like we are much better equipped now to begin the process of healing and hopefully thriving as a family. Thank you for your contributions to our new home."

[Home Again] has made it easier to get back on my feet by giving me a helping hand.

PARTNER AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Anyone wishing to receive furniture or household goods from Home Again Furniture Bank must be referred through one of our partners. Home Again does not provide direct client service.

Agencies and organizations that have partnered with Home Again include the following:

Choices for Youth

Canadian Mental Health Association

Stella’s Circle

Thrive

Association for New Canadians

John Howard Society

AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador

Wiseman Center

Empower

Iris Kirby House

St. John’s Native Friendship Centre