Home sweet home: everyone deserves a refuge, not only somewhere to hang a hat, but somewhere to kick your feet up and say ah.

“But establishing a home isn’t always simple,” say the folks behind Home Again. “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 just starting. 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 officially launched this morning, to put an end to furniture poverty in our community. Partners and contributors on the guest list included Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Chair John Ottenheimer, St. John’s City Councillor Danny Breen, St. John’s Status of Women Council social worker Pennie Spurvey, Partner and COO of Genoa Design International Gina Pecore, and AMJ Campbell owner Tony Herritt.

This non-profit organization provides gently used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need. Since its inception in October 2015, Home Again has helped furnish nearly 150 households. For free. Through a cycle of giving and receiving, Home Again not only furnishes homes but also helps to empower individuals and families as they rebuild their lives.

As one mother, escaping an abusive relationship testifies, Home Again is amazing:

“I was referred to Home Again Furniture Bank and the next day a moving truck arrived with furniture - real beds for me and my daughter, living room furniture, kitchen supplies, linens, etc. It was amazing! I was overcome with gratitude … it feels like we can finally shed the ‘fight or flight’ mentality which has been our life for the past year and a half. We are finally starting to make a home for ourselves!”

Operating in partnership with local agencies, Home Again receives client referrals on a daily basis. While their ability to help is dependent on their available inventory at any given time, Home Again aim to meet a client’s needs within 1-2 weeks, by delivering these items, for free. Thier service depends on community kindness in the form of monetary or furniture donation.

On “Furniture Fridays,” Home Again’s volunteers congregate in their donated warehouse space to fill 1-2 rented cube vans with furniture and household items that are then delivered across the Northeast Avalon. After all items are delivered to clients, they start their pick-up service,collecting donated items from individuals and businesses.

So now you know what to do with your old furniture. These donations are brought back to the warehouse where they are stored and tested for bedbugs and other pests before the cycle begins again.

That cycle of picking up and redistributing used furniture and household items is keeping plenty of stuff out of our dump as well, so, by the nature of their program, Home Again is performing a valuable eco-service as well. At last count, they’d diverted over 50 tonnes of furniture from the local landfill.

Got some furniture, or want to cut a charitable donation? homeagainfb (at) gmail.com, or 709 325-4040. Because there are many costs involved in transporting goods, there is a pick-up fee of $25. Payment must be made on day of pick-up. Home Again will not accept items that are soiled or stained, broken or ripped, or from homes with smokers. Get in touch for a list of what they do and do not accept.