DENVER (KDVR) — A new company in Denver wants to give Coloradans’ old, unused furniture to people who need it the most.
Furnishing Hope Junk Removal launched two weeks ago, and owner EmilyJane Zahreddine says they are off to a good start. Zahreddine got the idea for the business after seeing members of Denver’s homeless population on her work commute.
“I didn’t realize how bad or how significant the issue of our unhoused neighbors are,” she said.
She looked for ideas around the country, seeking the easiest way to get furniture and other needs into the population’s hands.
“Turns out the best practice is to run a junk hauling company,” she said.
And not just a junk removal company. Furnishing Hope partners directly with Denver area case workers who are helping people find homes.
“We work with their clients who we know have no household furniture or housewares at all,” said Zahreddine.
It’s something Zahreddine says is common.
“The status quo today is if you’re moved into affordable housing in Denver metro, you’re most likely moved into an empty apartment or home,” said Zahreddine.
How does Furnishing Hope connect clients with items?
The junk removal company will come pick up any old furniture or an assortment of other items and prepare it to go back out to another home. Those in need then come by to see what’s available.
“They get to come to our warehouse and pick out all the furniture and housewares that they want or that they need,” said Zahreddine.
The ability to choose, Zahreddine says, is important in making a new place feel like your own.
“Dignity to us is not just saying here’s a couch, here’s your free couch, enjoy it,” she says. “It’s having the opportunity to say ‘Here’s 15 couches, which one do you like?’”
Furnishing Hope is open Monday through Saturday. Zahreddine says interested donors can reach out any time to schedule a pickup by visiting their website.
