The Love Seat Furniture Bank
The Furniture Bank provides donated furniture to families and individuals who are in crisis or transition. Without the Furniture Bank, many Columbians would not have a bed for their children to sleep in, a table to eat on, or clothing to wear to a job interview.
History:
When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the local Columbia church responded with a temporary furniture bank thanks to a donated old box truck and several board members’ garages. The Katrina volunteers, motivated by the true need and joy of serving, kept the effort going through 2006, when they merged efforts with the Love Columbia development team. The furniture bank was only intended to be a temporary service, so when Love Columbia inquired with the city’s social service organizations to learn about Columbia’s greatest needs, the overwhelming response was “Would you please bring back the furniture bank?”
Love Columbia officially opened its doors in 2008 and was able to continue serving Columbia with not only coaching services but also with donated furniture from the Love Seat Furniture Bank.
The Furniture Bank Today:
In 2021, the furniture bank delivered furniture to 121 families, provided moving assistance to 33 families, and issued 294 shopping vouchers to Love Columbia program participants. Many would not have beds for their children to sleep in or a table to eat a family dinner at without the Furniture Bank.
“We want to give people the dignity of sleeping off the floor.” - a Love Seat volunteer
