Creating a more sustainable future is no easy task, but when we come together to support those in need while also protecting the environment, positive change can happen. Furniture Bank has recognized this potential and we are playing our part in ensuring a circular economy is supported for environmental and social benefits alike.
The circular economy encourages the reuse and recycling of materials. Furniture Bank’s diversion with purpose model directly supports the environmental needs of the circular economy by collecting and redistributing furniture to those in need. We also support the social and economic aspects of the circular economy through our social enterprise programs: furniture collection and delivery, The Workshop, Leg Up Social Employment Program and Furniture Bank’s National Support Services. Furniture Bank is helping to foster a community of sustainability and support. Our efforts here at Furniture Bank’s to support the circular economy are helping to create a more responsible and equitable world.
Social enterprise to support long-term circular economy goals
In order to eradicate furniture poverty and support the transition to the circular economy, we have developed the following core social employment programs embedded within our social enterprise programs: furniture collection and delivery, The Workshop, our Leg Up Social Employment Program, and our National Support Services. Programs that reinforce social inclusion by creating decent work opportunities for vulnerable groups support the societal aspects of the circular economy.
Furniture collection and delivery
Since 1998, Furniture Bank has matched reusable furniture and homewares to individuals and families seeking to create a new home while transitioning out of homelessness and other forms of displacement. This activity collects, processes and transfers over 70,000 items of furniture annually from the community which is matched and delivered to family’s empty housing units on demand.
The Workshop
Our Indigenous-led Workshop trains participants in furniture repair, upholstery and woodworking. The Workshop eliminates barriers in the attainment of meaningful work by providing trade training, creating long-term social employment opportunities, and providing sustainable careers in the refurbishing and reupholstering field. This in turn results in more quality furnishings for the beneficiary clients. Since its inception in 2015, we have provided over 31 individuals with opportunities to learn employable skills, and repaired and salvaged 18,606 items.
Leg Up Social Employment Program
Our social employment Leg Up program employs and trains individuals who face barriers to employment across the organization. We train 30-40 participants annually, fostering personal and professional growth through job skills, emotional intelligence training, and financial literacy, providing skills and knowledge to achieve greater financial independence, and retain secure employment. Over the last decade, we have provided meaningful employment and skills development for 350 employees, many of whom transition successfully to jobs in Furniture Bank, and in other industries and organizations including Telus, Metropolitan University, Daily Bread Food Bank, and Bombardier.
Furniture Bank’s National Support Services
The pandemic accelerated our ongoing journey to support national impact, expanding components of our Toronto program to be able to support and accommodate other communities’ operations within our technology. This allows for better coordination, reporting, and efficiency for the local community core operations. In 2022, Furniture Bank’s support services (FBSS) used the digital innovation we have built inside Toronto programs and provided assistance in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Barrie, supporting the operations, expansion, and longevity of these organizations.
Our FBSS work connects community agencies across the country with local agencies, makes corporate re-use projects accessible, and provides access to a Toronto-based sales excellence centre to handle customer inquiries, along with access to IT CRM software for inventory management, case management, reporting, and donation collection, all without overhead costs.
Our commitment to a circular economy is not just about environmental sustainability, but also about social and economic resilience. Our multi-faceted approach ensures that our impact is far-reaching and long-lasting. By promoting reuse and recycling, providing valuable employment opportunities, and fostering community connections, we are shaping a sustainable future that benefits all.
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