ENGLISH
Everything but the kitchen sink
Starting life in a strange new city can be overwhelming. Having a home outfitted with furniture and household goods can provide comfort, dignity and hope.
Refugee 613 does not collect or distribute donated items, but we support the work of local agencies that collect gently used chairs, tables, bed frames, smaller household goods and more.
Each of these organizations has a demonstrated track record of providing services to refugees and others living on low incomes. If you have furniture to donate, please contact them directly for details.
Helping With Furniture is a volunteer-run group that operates a free weekly pick-up service for furniture donations to refugees and other displaced people, including people at risk of homelessness or relocating from shelters. Helping With Furniture volunteers assemble orders to deliver and set up in the homes of recipients. Visit their website for more information, http://www.hwfottawa.org/furniture
Matthew House Ottawa: Furniture Bank provides furniture free of charge to low-income individuals and families, including refugees. They operate a pick-up service starting at $60 for your donated furniture. A tax receipt is available. Please see their website for more information, www.matthewhouseottawa.org.
Salvation Army Ottawa has a pick-up service for furniture donations. Visit their website for details and then call 613-247-1435 ext. 228 to arrange pick-up. http://www.thriftstore.ca/ottawa/donating-goods
Please make sure you do not donate any furniture or household items that are heavily damaged or worn — broken lampshades and wobbly chairs need not apply! It costs organizations time and money to dispose of unsuitable items.
FAQ
Do refugees need donated furniture?
Government-assisted refugees receive financial support for acquiring new furniture, but often there is a need to supplement with some smaller items. Privately sponsored refugees have the help of their sponsors, who gather donated or bought furniture from their own networks and occasionally from the above organizations. Refugee claimants — those who ask for asylum on arrival at the border and are awaiting a government hearing to determine their status — are in the most need of donated furniture, and are served by the agencies listed above.
Will all of these organizations pick up furniture?
Each organization has a different policy with regards to picking up and distributing furniture. Please see each group ’s website for more details.
What furniture is most or least needed?
We strongly urge you to contact these organizations to see what they accept first, especially if you have a large quantity of donations, as many are currently working at, or near, capacity. Please view their individual websites for more details.
I’m moving this week — can someone pick up my furniture right away?
Contact the agency you are donating to for information on their timelines. Most agencies will need more than a few days to arrange pickup or prefer that donations be delivered.