A devastating fire at the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta has left the nonprofit scrambling to supply needy families with furnishings and household goods.
A June 18 electrical fire destroyed the 15,000 square foot warehouse on Murphy Avenue in Southwest Atlanta and its contents, including a large donation of beds and dressers from the University of Georgia, meant for families in metro Atlanta.
Executive director Megan Anderson said, thankfully, no one was hurt but described the loss as “immense.” Furniture Bank owns the warehouse, and it was insured, but the loss of donated furniture was a big setback.
“This tragedy has created a major setback for the hundreds of individuals and families we serve — many of whom are transitioning out of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or rebuilding their lives after personal crises,” Anderson said. “Many have already waited weeks for our support, and now the relief they were counting on is delayed.”
Anderson said the Furniture Bank dipped into its reserves last week and spent $20,000 to buy beds for clients waiting for them.
Anderson said Furniture Bank would be moving into a temporary facility and planned to start collecting furniture donations again on July 7.
Furniture Bank, which was established in 1988, works with 200 agencies to supply furniture to people in transition. Anderson said the organization helps an average of 10 families per day.
“Though we’ve been knocked down, we are far from out,” Anderson said.
The Furniture Bank is accepting monetary donations via its website and is also looking for volunteers to collect household and kitchen items to make kits for families. Additional volunteers are needed to help build IKEA dressers that will also be delivered to families.
For more information and to donate, visit furniturebankatlanta.org.
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