Question 1 What is a Furniture Bank?

     Bridging AZ Furniture Bank serves as a clearinghouse for donated furniture and household goods to be distributed directly to qualified families and individuals in need. Recipients are identified and qualified by partnering agencies where the clients are enrolled in programs supporting their transition from temporary to permanent housing. These case-management programs support families and individuals moving into self-sufficiency where they were previously challenged by homelessness, domestic violence, chronic life-threatening disease, employment and/or job training, or learning disabilities and life skills training.
 

Question 2 Where does the Bridging AZ Furniture Bank get its furniture?

     We solicit and pick up, new and gently used, furniture and household items donated by churches, businesses, civic groups and individuals. Donated goods come from a variety of community resources including: residential, corporate, retail, and the hospitality industry. Through this network of generous donors, we are able to provide families the basic necessities to turn an empty residence into a home.

Question 3 How is Bridging AZ funded?

     Primarily we are funded by friends and friends of friends through cash contributions. We receive no Government funding. We have received some funding in the form of grants through family foundations and we do occasionally sell donated items. We do not operate a thrift store because we believe our clients deserve to select from the items given to us to distribute to those in need.
 

Question 4 What if the donation is antiques or upper-end furniture?

     We sell approximately 2% (up to 10%) of donated goods through consignment stores and private sales. The items we sell are usually not suitable for distribution to clients due to size. The money generated by sales is used to support our program operations.

Question 5 How do the Clients come to Bridging?

     Bridging is not open to the general public; clients in need of furniture come to us through a network of social service agencies and agency caseworkers who identify, qualify, and provide continuing support to their clients. Clients are offered a once-in-a-lifetime one hour shopping “spree” in our warehouse at which time they, their caseworker, and a Bridging volunteer select items that appeal to them and are appropriate for their family size.
 

  
Question 6 How many Staff does Bridging AZ have?

     Bridging has 2 full time employees plus 2 fulltime AmeriCorps ASU Public Allies and 1 fulltime AmeriCorps Vista member. Bridging is also working with Goodwill and has 1 person enrolled in a 20 hour per week training program.
 

Question 7 Does Bridging AZ ever need volunteers?

     Yes! We welcome and rely on volunteers for nearly every aspect of our operations. We also welcome new volunteers with new ideas and energy to share. Volunteers can play a vital role in fulfilling the Bridging mission to extend community resources by distributing beds, furniture and household goods to people in transition.
 

25 N. Extension Road
Mesa, AZ 85201

Phone: 480-833-3997
Fax: 480-833-9594

E-mail: info@bridgingaz.org

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