Toni was a former client of ours back in 2001. After experiencing homelessness as a teenager, she sought refuge at a YWCA shelter, a partner agency of Furniture Bank. After transitioning out of the shelter and securing her own apartment, Toni was referred to us to come select furniture from our showroom floor – which is stocked with furniture donations donated by community members like you.
She shared that if it wasn’t for Furniture Bank her apartment would of been nothing more than an empty space. She simply had no money to furnish it.
“When I arrived at Furniture Bank and was given the chance to choose my furniture, it was like I was living out my HGTV fantasy of decorating my new home. That idea alone was enough to give me the stability I needed. It helped address the mental anguish and anxiety I had with being poor and homeless.”
Over the next few years Toni started to regain her stability. She spent time volunteering, pursued an undergraduate degree at York University and then got a job working at an arts based organization mentoring youth – all achievements that would of been very difficult to accomplish without the comfort and security of a furnished home.
Toni is now getting ready to pursue her Masters in Education at Harvard University. She recently raised over $50,000 for her tuition and living expenses by putting together a compelling crowdfunding campaign.
Toni has since reconnected with Furniture Bank to donate her old furniture before her big move. It’s quite inspiring to see her story come full circle 14 years later.
Want to help more clients like Toni?
It costs Furniture Bank $250 to furnish a home for a family. Make a financial donation today and help more clients like Toni emerge from homelessness and live with the dignity, comfort and stability of a furnished home.
