Community group in Amherst, N.S. opens furniture bank

A new furniture bank in Amherst gives free household items to people coming out of difficult situations.

A community group in Amherst, N.S. is expanding its work to help people who are rebuilding their lives after difficult situations.

In The Works, a youth-focused non-profit, has opened a new furniture bank that provides free household items to people who need help setting up a home.

Executive director Sean Lockhart says the idea grew out of a gap they kept seeing in the community.

“There are so many amazing organizations out there serving others through food and housing,” Lockhart said. “But the one thing that’s missing is when you transition - you actually have nothing. Furniture Bank will give those things… so you don’t have to worry about that.”

The items are available at no cost to anyone who is referred by a community partner. The service isn’t just for those who live in Amherst, referrals can come from shelters, churches, fire departments, police, social workers and other support agencies across Cumberland County, N.S. and Sackville, N.B.

Growing demand

In The Works has been operating for five years, mainly offering a 16-week employment and life-skills program for youth aged 15 to 30. Lockhart says the furniture bank will allow them to help far more people.

“In our first cohort we reached nine youth… but with the creation of Furniture Bank, we will serve about 150-plus people this year,” he said.

The organization recently moved into a new space – the former NSLC location on LaPlanche Street. Donations of gently-used furniture and household items are already coming in, and staff say the need is growing quickly.

Lockhart shared one example of a family who walked through their doors recently.

“We had a single mom with a newborn and a toddler who literally had nothing at home,” he said. “One of our partners got them a place to live, but now they can have the comforts of home… the kids have a bed, a living room set — everything they need to enjoy life and move forward.”

Community needed to keep it going

Running the furniture bank requires volunteers to sort, clean and deliver items. The group is also renting a truck for deliveries, which Lockhart says is a major cost.

“Everything has to be laundered and sorted… it takes a fleet of volunteers,” he said.

“We’re renting a truck and it costs a lot of money. Whatever resource you can give — we could use that support.”

Former participant now helping others

One of the people helping run the new service knows its impact firsthand.

Shane Chiasson first came to In The Works as a participant in the youth program. After graduating, he was offered a chance to help at the furniture bank.

“Things were a lot more difficult for myself personally,” he said. “Being a part of this has made my life better. I’ve become more part of the community, which I appreciate.”

Chiasson helps make deliveries and sees the reaction from families when furniture arrives.

“Clients are extremely happy… nine times out of ten everyone has positive things to say,” he said. “I’ve had emails praising the work we do, and I’m confident we’ll continue to do good work in the future.”

How to help

In The Works says it accepts gently-used furniture, household items and volunteer support. Donors can also receive a charitable tax receipt.

The group says the furniture bank is still growing, and they hope more community partnerships will help them reach even more families.

More information is available through In The Works on social media.

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