Furnishing Dignity

Our mission is to transform lives through community, compassion and essential home furnishings. Through generous in-kind home furnishings and financial contributions, Furnishing Dignity is able to fill in the gaps in household furnishings and accessories at no cost for clients transitioning out of homelessness into self-reliance. Put simply, we transform an empty household into a safe, functional and comfortable home for low-income children, adults and families through complete home furnishings.

Our story first began in 2014 when two compassionate community advocates, Joyce Petrowski and Anita Buckel rallied their close friends and families to support a young family transitioning out of homelessness with essential household furnishings for their new home. Joyce and Anita soon realized that while existing nonprofits could successfully stabilize homeless individuals and families, including veterans and youth aging out of foster care, with temporary shelter and case management services, there remained a critical gap in services. When it came time to transition to stable housing, clients rarely possessed the basic household furnishings needed to make their house functional and a safe, comfortable home environment for all. Typically relying on a small fixed income, these clients needed to prioritize their expenses for items such as rent, food, childcare and healthcare. Beds for all family members, a kitchen table and chairs, a sofa, and dresser drawers to unpack their lives would simply have to wait; things many of us take for granted - until they are gone. Those served by Furnishing Dignity know this all too well.

Studies have shown that the burden of furnishing a place can lead to instability and vulnerability to return to homelessness. With a well-furnished home, families can focus on more pressing issues like securing employment, addressing healthcare issues, and enrolling children/youth in school. Moreover the importance of a good night sleep can not be underestimated, particularly in children who have experienced temporary or long-term homelessness. Children need stability, routine and the basic home furnishings to optimize their health, well-being and long-term school success. It begins with having their own comfortable bed to sleep in.

Our long standing partnerships with Maricopa County shelter programs and other nonprofit organizations help connect clients to our services once they have successfully completed their program or age out of foster care. Furnishing Dignity services are funded entirely through the support of our local community, including corporate and foundation partners, government entities, local businesses and compassionate donors who see the unique value we provide to our community and to those on a path to self-sufficiency.

Through our primary Essential Home Furnishings program, Dignity Acquisitions, our social enterprise venture, and our local community, we continue to advance our steadfast mission. Annually serving over 500 individuals and 175+ households, Furnishing Dignity remains a true community advocate for homeless children, adults and families in need.

Testimonials

"I would have been sleeping on an air mattress, my kids and I, and would have risked getting my kids removed from my home for not having furniture. I appreciate everything you guys have done. Thank you!" - Augustina W.

"My family was eating on the floor. Now we can eat as a family of course together," says Lerma P.

"I feel like a whole person. Like I have a little piece of myself back." Paula M.

"Makes us feel normal like a normal family instead of sleeping on the floor and sitting on boxes and crates." says Blanca C.

"I called everywhere; if it wasn't for Furnishing Dignity I'd have nothing." Michael R.

"I would not have furniture if Furnishing Dignity did not provide it. I only have enough money to pay my bills and save a little for a car." says Bonnie G.

"When I came home from work I felt like I was coming to a real home." says Saul H.