about furniture bank network

Transforming Communities Through Furniture Reuse

The Furniture Bank Network (FBN) is a collaborative force reshaping the landscape of furniture reuse and home goods sustainability for over a decade.

Our mission is to unite furniture banks across North America, working collectively to combat furniture poverty, promote environmental sustainability, and build resilient communities.

At the core of our approach is the innovative Furniture Bank Support Services (FBSS), offering a cloud-based platform that empowers furniture banks with IT infrastructure, social enterprise sales support, and core operations assistance. Through strategic partnerships with major retailers and corporations, we facilitate impactful decommissioning, furniture liquidation, and retail checkout donations, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste.

Member Directory

Discover the diverse range of member furniture banks making a transformative impact across Canada and the United States.

Partner with Us

For corporations seeking to lead in sustainable change, collaborate, and support communities through furniture reuse. 

Proudly sponsored by Furniture Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

Furniture banks are registered charities, not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises designed to provide gently used household furnishings to individuals and families in need, at little or no cost.

The basic model involves gently used furniture being donated by people who no longer use it, and transferred to those who are struggling financially to furnish their own homes.

Usually, a network of community agencies ensures that the right people get access to the furniture. It’s a cycle of giving and helping, providing the most vulnerable individuals in society the means to create a true home. 

The families served by furniture banks include the previously homeless, unemployed and working poor, battered women and children in retreat, immigrants, individuals with mental or physical disabilities, victims of fire, robbery, and natural disasters, etc.

They have housing, but are faced with the harsh reality that their “home” is empty or severely under-furnished – without beds for the children, a table, chairs and dishes to share meals, or even a sofa to sit on and relax.

After basic expenses such as rent, utilities, food and clothing are paid, there’s little if anything left for the common household furnishings we all take for granted.

Furniture banks provide more than furniture and household items to recipients. We provide dignity. Not just dignity and pride in one’s home, but the dignity of choice.