Item - 2019.EC4.6

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Directed the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on how the City of Toronto can support the Furniture Bank with access to free or low-cost warehouse space and loading docks in multiple sites across the Greater Toronto Area, and any other aid or resources to assist the Furniture Bank in their charity work.

The Furniture Bank is a registered charity who provide support to community members experiencing displacement, are transitioning out of homelessness, and support newcomer families and refugees. Through the generosity of the community, the Furniture Bank helps to furnish homes at no cost to their clients. Through these donations, the Furniture Bank has been able to assist over 100,000 people and over 40,000 families since they were founded in 1998. By repurposing donated furniture, the Furniture Bank has been able to divert millions of pounds of solid waste from landfills. They are looking to expand their operations across the Greater Toronto Area to provide support to a wider range of people. As they are a not-for-profit organization, they are seeking access to free or low-cost warehouse space with loadings docks in multiple sites across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), so that more resources can be committed to helping their clientele.