Whether one has experienced homelessness, lost a home in a fire, or fled from an abusive relationship, it’s challenging — both emotionally and logistically — to start over. New Life Furniture Bank makes the transition easier. A 501(c)3 since 2009, the nonprofit provides up to 15 pieces of furniture to each family in need.
“We’re the only furniture bank in the area that provides this service,” says Dana Saxton, Director and CEO. “We make sure families have everything they need, which includes pots, pans, dishes, linens and brand-new pillows.”
New Life furnished roughly 50 homes during its first year in operation. This year, they’re on target to furnish 2,400 homes within eight counties.
Last year, New Life opened a furniture thrift store in Sharonville that helps individuals who don’t qualify for their traditional program.
“The thrift store has a large selection of affordable gently used furniture, household items, home décor, books, toys and clothing,” says Saxton.
All revenue from the thrift store goes directly to its mission. If you’d like to donate furniture, clothes or household items to the New Life thrift store, you can drop them at the store or the warehouse in Blue Ash. You can also arrange for New Life to pick it up at your house; just put it in your garage, driveway or on your front porch.
New Life recently expanded its warehouse, adding 10,000 square feet of space, and has also renovated and expanded its community engagement center in Blue Ash. In addition, it has a 6,000-square-foot woodshop where volunteers build kitchenette, coffee and end tables and cubby units for families.
“If you have a mom with three kids living in a tiny apartment on the third floor, she needs smaller items that will fit in her home,” says Saxton. “If we don’t have them, we build them.”
Since 2017, New Life Furniture Bank has held an annual fall fundraiser called Party in the House. Fifteen to 20 local interior designers select a gently used piece of furniture from the New Life warehouse and reimagine it. All items are then displayed and auctioned off. The event typically attracts between 300-350 guests. This year’s Party in the House will take place Friday, Nov. 3, from 6-9 p.m.
Want to make a difference in people’s lives? New Life Furniture Bank, located at 11335 Reed Hartman Hwy., Unit 134, Cincinnati, OH 45241, is a beacon of hope for those in need. Your contribution can make a huge difference. To donate furniture and other household items, learn about volunteer opportunities or purchase tickets for Party in the House, visit nlfurniture.org or call 513-313-0530.