Tacoma is known for its desire to help the residents that call this city “home“. Several Opportunities to help the less fortunate in our community are available, the NW Furniture Bank is just one of the many resources with a very inspiring story. Located in the Tacoma Dome district, this nonprofit serves families anywhere from domestic abuse, foster homes, those suffering from fires or natural disasters, to coming out of transitional housing, and much more. People being served by this once in a lifetime opportunity are able to receive all their furnishing needs for a very small processing fee. The furniture and housing items are donated or recycled from households or by one of the many retail partners they have accumulated over the years.
The story of how this resource was brought to Tacoma is heartwarming. Bill and Jolene Lemke volunteered at a food bank in San Francisco with their son in 2005. After their experience, Bill thought what they do with food, they could do with furniture. Working in the furniture business for over 30 years, he envisioned the possibilities. Once the family left the bay area, Bill intended on leaving the idea as well. The only problem was Bill and his son couldn’t stop thinking about it. Later that year their son passed away from lymphoma.
The idea of a furniture bank constantly ran through Bill’s head. The next year, the two sought out to see if a furniture bank in Pierce County was even feasible. To their surprise, it was! They used donated warehouse space, from The Old Cannery, and money raised for their son’s medical expenses to help purchase and deliver the first mattresses to clients.
Seven years later, the furniture bank serves over 100 families a month and has created two new entities:
Hope Furnishings, the retail store directly supporting the furniture bank, was brought into existence in 2012. This rare retail store sells new, donated, and vintage furniture and the proceeds help to buy high demanded items, such as twin beds, for the furniture bank.
Spring Back Mattress Recycling where mattresses and foundations are torn apart and the materials are separated and sold, with the proceeds going back to the bank. The recycling center keeps over 5000 mattresses and foundations out of landfills a month.
All three businesses are located on the same lot on Puyallup Avenue. If you have questions about donations, volunteering, or qualifying for the bank please call: 253-302-3868
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