Furnish for Good was founded in 2019 by local Charlotte women who wanted to give back to their community. What started as an initial conversation has grown to a thriving 501 c-3 non-profit organization committed to resolving issues of economic mobility through the repurposing of quality furnishings for our neighbors in need. Your well-loved home furnishings did you good, now they can benefit someone in need.

Not very long ago, Priscilla Chapman, Lesley Faulkner, and Mary Beth Hollett did not know each other despite each being long time Charlotte residents. Now they have trouble recalling a time when they weren’t talking on the phone, exchanging emails, and working together in a warehouse. The women bonded over the need to create something that did not exist in Charlotte—a nonprofit to provide furnishings and home goods for people moving out of homelessness using donated items with a lot of dignity throughout the process.

Priscilla Chapman, Lesley Faulkner and Mary Beth Hollett met through their mutual friend and local homeless advocate, Kathy Izard. The three moms were searching for a way to give back to the Charlotte community — Hollett is an empty nester, and Chapman’s and Faulkner’s kids were getting older, freeing up time for a new venture. Izard and her friend, Laurie Martin, had an idea. Donating to those in need is nothing new. But how it is done is. Furnish for Good connects well-loved home furnishings to under-served communities through an experience of empowerment. Rather than simply handing over donated items, the items are curated and showcased in a custom setting to prospective recipients so that the recipients receive more than home furnishings – they receive self-respect and dignity. Inspired by The Green Chair Project, a Raleigh organization that offers affordable furnishings for homeless families in transition, the women saw a need for something similar in Charlotte

The process is simple. An Individual or corporate donor donates their gently used furniture and home goods to Furnish For Good, who then organizes and created custom room settings at their showroom.  Partner agencies regularly refer families (Clients) along with their case workers/family advocate who come and visit the showroom and select household goods and furnishing they need. For a small fee, around $200-$250, the families can fully furnish their home.  Once the items are selected, Furnish For Good moves them into their homes for no additional cost.  

The gift of time is priceless. Furnish for Good has a never ending “to do” list and rely on good people to get it all done. Whether you are inspired to donate cash or your time or creative talents, visit their website to learn more and get connected.  www.furnishforgood.org