FURNITURE DONATION PROGRAM
The JRCC Furniture depot (FD) helps people with limited means settle and create a home by providing them with furniture free of charge under our furniture donation program . Those donating furniture can take pride in knowing their gently used furniture is going to those who need it.
The JRCC Furniture Depot is a not-for-profit organization, aiming to give free furniture to families and individuals in need. The warehouse is located in the heart of Thornhill, and its size is 13,000 sq/ft. The inventory includes many furniture items, such as tables, chairs, mattresses, desks, sofas, etc.
The FD accepts donations of gently used furniture. Since 2014, we have given over 12,000 items to families in need. In 2017 alone 5,900 furniture items were donated; while simultaneously diverting used furniture from landfills towards a second use.
Part of the initiative operates as a social enterprise, where the income from the pickup fee paid by donors, assists in creating financial sustainability, and allows the program to be partly independent.
The JRCC Furniture Depot collaborates with over 60 social services agencies across York Region and Toronto. In serving the most vulnerable, we give them an opportunity to reestablish their lives with basic necessities, by donating used furniture.
Since 2014, the JRCC Furniture Depot has served over 7,500 clients, and over 2500 households, and our clients numbers exponentially increase every year.
90% of our clients are below the poverty line, 60% are newcomers, 60% are families with young children, and 20% are transitioning from shelters.
96% of JRCC FD clients in 2017 did not have furniture or did not possess basic furniture items at home prior to getting furniture from the FD. The impact of our program is immense, and the financial value of furniture given is estimated in thousands of dollars being saved per client, that can be spent on food and clothing instead of furniture
Client satisfaction surveys, conducted monthly, show that the FD helped clients furnish their home and reduce expenses; the furniture made them and their children feel good; and they are likely to recommend FD to a friend.