Habitat for Humanity of Dane County Launches the Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank

At Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, advancing efforts to address the large number of factors that contribute to, and result from, housing insecurity is critical to creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. That’s why Habitat ReStore launched Dane County’s first-ever furniture bank in November of 2021. Like a food bank, but for furniture, the Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank provides local families in transitional housing with the furniture they need to turn their often-empty dwellings into happy homes with all of the essentials to make families feel safe and comfortable. This especially helps families affected by poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, resettlement in the US, and disasters get the fresh start and hand up they need to build a successful life for their families. With infrastructure and expertise in donation screening, handling, and transportation, Habitat ReStore is uniquely positioned to meet this need, while working alongside strong Dane County partners who have the resources to work directly with our friends and neighbors in transitional housing and refer those who need assistance. By collaborating with nonprofit community partners including the Sunshine Place, Salvation Army, The Road Home, Catalyst for Change, McKinney Vento, and the YWCA, referrals are made to the Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank and clients are then provided with the furniture needed to make their living space into a comfortable home to promote self-sufficiency after experiencing a housing crisis. The Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank has already served more than 100 families across Dane County including Cambridge, Cottage Grove, Fitchburg, Madison, Marshall, McFarland, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, and Waunakee. “The need is so great as we’ve already served more than 100 households through the Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank,” Habitat for Humanity of Dane County CEO Valerie Renk said. “The average household income of a furniture bank client is just above $17,000 annually, so by offering this hand up, we are hoping that no one is faced with an empty or severely under-furnished home.” To get involved, Habitat ReStore happily accepts donations of new and gently used furniture. All donated furniture is sold to fund Habitat’s home building program or given to furniture bank clients. Donations can be dropped off at ReStore West (6201 Odana Road) or ReStore East (4207 Monona Dr.) during business hours of 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday or donors can schedule a free pick up throughout Dane County. In addition, financial donations are one of the best ways to help to keep Habitat ReStore Furniture Bank’s pick-up and delivery trucks on the road. Donations can be made at habitatdane.org/give. Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has been building in partnership with low- to moderate-income families in 18 different communities throughout Dane County. Currently Habitat is building in Madison, Sun Prairie, Stoughton, and Oregon.