furnish together: The National Furniture BANK Coalition

Our mission is to unite a network of member furniture banks to end furniture poverty & create dignified, well-furnished homes

WHY LOCAL EFFORTS ALONE AREN’T ENOUGH

A Strong National Network Strengthens Every Local Furniture Bank

Across the country, local furniture banks do incredible work—but they’re often disconnected, under-resourced, and invisible in policy conversations.

Furnish Together exists to fix that. We’re building national infrastructure: shared logistics, data standards, advocacy tools, and visibility to scale impact and funding.

The national gap we’re closing:

No centralized logistics or funding stream
No policy recognition of furniture as essential
No national training or data infrastructure

ADDRESSING FURNITURE POVERTY 2025 RELEASE HERE

FURNISH TOGETHER: THE BACKBONE BEHIND LOCAL SUCCESS

National Power. Local Impact

Local furniture banks play a critical role in housing stability—filling homes, not just units. But without shared standards and support, their impact remains limited.

That’s where Furnish Together comes in—equipping, connecting, and amplifying the work of furniture banks nationwide.

We provide:

Shared infrastructure – including logistics models, referral protocols, and digital tools.
Collective advocacy – ensuring furniture is recognized as essential in housing policy.
Data + visibility – helping banks measure, compare, and tell their impact story.
National momentum – working together so no furniture bank bears it alone.

Whether you’re serving 30 families a year or 3,000, being part of a national network means you’re never starting from scratch.

Ending Homelessness Starts With A Furnished Home

Homes Change Lives

When families exit homelessness into bare, unfurnished units, their housing journey remains incomplete.

Beds, tables, and couches aren’t luxuries—they’re the foundation of comfort, routine, and mental health. Without them, newly housed families are more likely to return to crisis.

Furniture is the difference between housing and a home.

What the research says ...

"Research indicates that more than 60% of all families who live in poverty will experience furniture poverty in their lifetime."

"91% of families feel more stable once their home is furnished."

— A Wider Circle (2025)

HOUSING ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT FURNITURE

99% of Housing Dollars Fund the Walls—Not What Goes Inside

Public housing programs routinely cover rent, construction, casework, and wraparound services. But furniture is almost never included—despite being essential to stability, health, and dignity.

Across the country, the need has continued to grow, and many people lack access to basic furniture items. The data below is from a nationally representative survey commissioned by A Wider Circle in 2025.

32% of U.S. residents are currently experiencing furniture poverty—lacking access to one or more essential household furniture items.
2 in 10 households do not have enough beds for everyone to sleep on.
3 in 10 lack a couch or a dresser for storing clothing.
4 in 10 are missing multiple critical items needed for a functional, safe, and healthy home.
Over a lifetime, 66% of people have experienced furniture poverty at least once, and 20% experienced it three or more times.

ADDRESSING FURNITURE POVERTY 2025 RELEASE HERE

That gap leaves newly housed families sleeping on floors, eating on crates, and returning to shelters at higher rates.

But the Fix Is Simple—and Affordable

For about $1,000, local furniture banks can fully furnish a home.
That includes beds, tables, dressers, and essential housewares—delivered with dignity.

Small shift. Massive return.

READY TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT?

Whether you're a local furniture bank, a policymaker, or a partner ready to make an impact—we want to hear from you.

Local Banks: Become a Member

Supporters & Allies: Partner With Us

Lawmakers & Staffers: Let’s Fund What Works

Contact us below and let’s build a furnished future—together.

118 South Yale Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222