Bridging AZ is Arizona’s first and only Furniture Bank. At Bridging we take pride in providing useful, quality furniture to clients of our participating agencies.
Our History
Bridging AZ Furniture Bank is a Federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supplies furniture and household goods to people transitioning out of homelessness through participating agencies. It began as a vision turned reality after Jim Piscopo, an Air Force Veteran and licensed contractor at the time, recognized an essential need while doing volunteer work with two Phoenix-area domestic violence shelters. Jim realized families transitioning from a shelter into a home of their own had little or no resources available to help with basic furniture for their newfound home. Most of the individuals and families in this position are economically disadvantaged, some from life-transition trauma, possibly as a result of domestic violence, substance abuse, learning disabilities, loss of a spouse, lack of job training, or just hard times.
In 2003, Bridging AZ began as a ministry of St Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church by Jim & Donna Piscopo. The response was so overwhelming Bridging AZ incorporated as a nonprofit in 2004. In the past 20 years, Bridging AZ has distributed over 400,000 items to families in need.
Who We Serve
Today, Bridging AZ serves as a clearinghouse for donated furniture and household goods to be distributed to qualified families and individuals participating in permanent supportive housing programs. Recipients are identified and qualified by partnering social service 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. Most clients were previously challenged by homelessness, domestic violence, chronic life-threatening disease, substance abuse, lack of employment and/or job training, learning disabilities or just bad luck.
Bridging AZ receives no government funding. Volunteers help to repair and repaint donated furniture when necessary. We have provided furniture and household items to clients from over 200 social service programs, here is a short list.
In Need of Help?
Bridging AZ does not give away FREE furniture to the general public upon request. We partner with social service agencies who identify and qualify families in need.
- If you are in need of furniture please see our Agency/Client services page.
- If you are in need of housing/homeless services in Arizona please contact www.211arizona.org.
Donations
If you would like to support Bridging AZ:
- Check out our current needs and projects
- Learn about Arizona Charitable Tax Credits
- We don’t need furniture donations right now, but keep us in mind for later!
Further Information
Check out these resources for furniture information:
- Here is a list of social service agencies, churches and schools Bridging AZ has helped in the past.
- Download quick about us 1 page document
- Press Release – Your Choice – Pay Taxes or help a homeless Veteran.