Tarrant County has a new resource available to those transitioning out of homelessness.
The Tarrant County Furniture Bank (TCFB) will open for business on Wednesday, following a 3 p.m. ceremony and ribbon cutting with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price as the guest of honor. The organization will provide new or gently used furniture to those making the transition from being homeless.
Clients are served on a referral and appointment basis only, said Teresa Huskey, founder and executive director.
“The Tarrant County Furniture Bank does not take walk-ins, but will accept referrals through a network of social services agencies and non-profit organizations that enroll to work directly with the furniture bank,” Huskey said.
According to the City of Fort Worth’s Directions Home program, the system is housing at least 10 households from homelessness every week. Many of them have had no beds to sleep on, tables to eat upon, or even a sofa to sit on.
TCFB, a charitable organization, will initially serve Fort Worth and plans to expand their geographical service area to include all of Tarrant County. The furniture bank will depend on donations from citizens, the furniture industry, businesses, and hotels to keep its warehouse at maximum capacity.
Donations can be dropped off by appointment at TCFB’s Distribution Center, 2550 McMillan Pkwy. (formerly the Coors Distributing Company). For those who do not have delivery capability, a furniture pick-up can be arranged, also by appointment, usually scheduled on Saturdays.
To make appointments, call 817-732-8451 or visit the website at www.tarrantcountyfurniturebank.org.