How to Save Money on Furniture and Help Neighbors in Need
My partner and I just bought a house in March. It was extremely exciting - and exhausting. Packing, moving, painting, doing projects, watching two kids, and unpacking… it was a lot at once.
And after years of renting, once we got into our new home, we really wanted to make it our own.
We wanted to get rid of the old couches and low quality furniture we’d had for years and decorate with intention.
We looked at a few pieces online, but most of the pieces we liked were upwards of $2,000. Ouch. After buying a new house, we didn’t really have 3K to throw around towards furniture.
And then our friend introduced us to the Houston Furniture Bank.
There, we found a gorgeous, brand new (with tags!!) sectional from Article for only $700. This exact same sectional is available on Article’s website for $2399. That’s a savings of $1700! So we jumped on it immediately.
They even delivered it right to our house - along with a coffee table and side table we picked out - for only $80. And we LOVE IT.
So… what’s the Houston Furniture Bank?
The Houston Furniture Bank accepts donations of gently used and brand new furniture, which they then donate to people in need or sell to the public. Their mission is “to furnish hope by Making Empty Houses Homes.”
It opened in 1992, first serving those transitioning out of mental health facilities through the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA). By 2003, they had expanded into an independent organization serving all Houstonians.
For over 25 years, the Houston Furniture Bank has been serving Houston families affected by poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, mental and physical health concerns, and disasters. Over the years, they’ve received over a quarter million pieces of donated furniture from Houstonians and big name furniture companies and have been able to help over 80,000 Houstonians in need.
“Furniture is a critical stepping stone to improve living conditions and elevate an individual’s personal pride and dignity.”
According to HoustonFurnitureBank.org, recipients are referred to the Houston Furniture Bank by more than 75 Social Service Agencies in the Greater Houston area. These families are transitioning to independent living while struggling with extreme poverty. Some have become impoverished due to natural disasters, such as floods or fires; for others, their access to independence has been affected by mental challenges, physical disabilities, chemical dependencies, or catastrophic health issues such as AIDS. While some are victims of domestic violence or refugees of political persecution, still others such as veterans, senior citizens, or single parents, have become unable to gain employment or earn adequate wages to support themselves.
While this entity seeks to be self-sustaining through the implementation of a variety of green endeavors, the heart of the Houston Furniture Bank remains the deep commitment of caring neighbors throughout the area.
With increased awareness and increased donations of furniture, funds, and volunteer hours this vital organization has the potential to make Houston a city where a child will never have to sleep on a cold hard floor – ever!
Where can I shop for furniture?
If you visit the Houston Furniture Bank, you’ll notice that not only can you drop off donations, but you can also shop! They have several large rooms in the front of their building - called their Furniture Outlet - open to the public for shopping.
And they have some AMAZING deals.
Unlike at many secondhand stores like Goodwill, you won’t find furniture that’s dirty, broken, smelly, or falling apart.
The Houston Furniture Bank only offers high quality pieces of furniture in excellent condition, either gently used or brand new.
How do I get there?
The Houston Furniture Bank has two locations: North and Main Campus.
Main Campus:
8220 Mosley Road
Houston, TX 77075
North Campus:
295 Sawdust Road
Houston, TX 77380
How can I help?
There are a few ways you can assist with HFB’s mission, such as:
Donating furniture (they will even come pick up your donations for you!)
