Many low-income families struggle to pay for groceries, rent, bills, and furniture due to rising inflation rates and rising living costs. In the United States, approximately 37.9 million people live in poverty, representing 11.6% of the population.
Fortunately, there are many organizations and agencies that offer free furniture to low-income households. Some organizations may also offer furniture vouchers or other types of assistance, such as financial aid and free clothing. In this article, we’ll discuss the different places that help low-income families with furniture. Read the article below to learn more.
Get Free Couches, Beds, Mattresses, Dressers, And Other Items
In order to provide free pieces of furniture to economically challenged families, non-government organizations and charities make use of secondhand and donated furniture. The items given away may vary, depending on availability. The types of furniture that are usually donated include, but are not limited to:
- Study tables, desks, kitchen tables, coffee tables, end tables, dining room tables, and bedside tables
- Beds, bunk beds, mattresses
- Cabinets, drawers, and dressers
- Desk chairs, stools, armchairs, couches, recliner chairs, and sofas
- TV stands and nightstands
- Bookcases
- Futons
- Storage benches
Places To Get Free Household Items And Furniture
Not every family is financially capable of buying pieces of furniture for their home. Many charities and non-government organizations recognize this struggle by low-income families. Below is a list of some organizations that offer free household items and furniture.
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul is a faith-based nonprofit organization located in several states across the U.S. Its primary mission is to provide furniture assistance and shopping vouchers to families with exceptional financial needs. St. Vincent de Paul also established thrift stores in the communities they serve that offer groceries and other essentials at a reduced cost.
If you require free beds or chairs for your home, contact this organization at (239) 775-2907 to request assistance.
Goodwill Industries
Almost every community in the U.S. has local Goodwill. Goodwill Industries coordinates with local organizations, along with the Department of Social Services, to help provide financial support and furniture assistance to financially struggling families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
You may contact the nearest Goodwill office at (800) 728-7825 to ask about the available assistance programs within your area.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Individuals who are having trouble paying their rent and utility bills can receive financial aid through Crisis Assistance Ministry.
This full-service organization helps low-income families purchase the furniture they need to make a comfortable home. Beneficiaries are also given furniture vouchers, which they may use to get discounts at partner furniture shops.
Agencies That Offer Household Good And Free Or Low Cost Furniture Near You
Furniture Bank Association (FBA) is one of America’s largest and leading social service agencies that provide low-cost furniture and household items to financially challenged families. It is a network of committed organizations that receive used furniture from generous donors and give them away to families who are unable to afford their own.
Some of the members of the FBA include:
- Community Furniture Bank
- Christmas Charities Year Round
- Bridging Arizona
- Furniture For Families
- Team Amvets Welcome Home
- San Jose Furniture Bank
- Make A Home Foundation
Local Cities, County, And State-run Free Furniture Banks To Check Out
Here are also some furniture banks available to local cities, counties, and states. Low-income families may receive furniture assistance from these furniture banks.
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Massachusetts
Alternative Organizations For Furniture Assistance Programs
There are several other places for low-income families to get free furniture and household goods. These alternative organizations provide used and new furnishings to first-time home buyers, financially struggling households, disabled individuals, and senior citizens. Among the items given away include beds, appliances, cabinets, couches, chairs, and other pieces of furniture.
For those requiring furniture assistance, you may try these alternative organizations:
- The Salvation Army
- Craiglist
- Heroes Warehouse
- Catholic Charities
- American Red Cross
- Ashley Furniture — Hope To Dream Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding places that help low income families with furniture.
Can you get a sofa with Family Fund?
In collaboration with Argos, Family Fund offers grants for furniture, including desks, beds, and sofas as well as home accessories like lamps, curtains, and carpets.
Can anyone apply for Family Fund?
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child or young person who is disabled or very ill and you meet our eligibility requirements, you are eligible to apply for a Family Fund grant.
How often can you get Family Fund?
Re-application timetables may vary depending on your location. If you are residing in England, you may re-apply after 15 months from the date you last applied. If you are in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, you are eligible to apply again 12 months after your last application.
There are multiple free furniture programs in the U.S. offered by different organizations and agencies. They provide free pieces of furniture, financial support, and furniture vouchers to qualified low-income families.
You may also check out this article from Help Choices to view more furniture assistance programs for low-income families in 2023.
