Dallas Furniture Bank

Defining Furniture Poverty

Furniture poverty is defined as the inability to access, afford, or maintain essential household furniture or appliances, a consequence of broader issues like poverty and housing insecurity (End Furniture Poverty, 2023). During crises, families prioritize securing housing, leaving little to no resources for necessary furnishings such as mattresses, sofas, tables, and chairs. These essential items are vital for both physical and mental health.

Impacts of Furniture Poverty

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Health Care identified four key benefits of living in a furnished home: dignity, creating a home, physical comfort, and emotional well-being (From Housing Instability to a Home: The Effects of Furniture and Household Goods on Well-Being, Hartwig & Mohamed, 2020). The study also highlighted the following outcomes for individuals living in furnished homes experience increased feelings of normalcy, self-esteem, and confidence to host visitors as well as reduced isolation, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Additionally, furnishings significantly impact sleep quality, which is crucial for effective living, working, and studying. For children, poor sleep quality can lead to impaired mental function, mood changes, weight gain, weakened immune function, and long-term mental health challenges (Raniti et al., 2017). A furnished home not only provides practical comfort but also supports wellness, security, belonging, hope, and dignity.

Homelessness in North Texas

According to Housing Forward’s January 2024 Point-in-Time count, 3,718 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in Dallas and Collin counties. This marks a 19% reduction in overall homelessness and a 24% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2021. These improvements reflect the coordinated efforts of dozens of social service agencies in North Texas.

However, as more individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing, the need for furniture increases. Among the 4,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas County, 75% will lack furniture when moving into permanent housing (Housing Forward North Texas, 2023).

Challenges in Addressing the Furniture Gap

Social service agencies often face significant challenges in providing furniture for households transitioning out of homelessness. Case managers must:

• Search for furniture through online platforms, resale shops, thrift stores, and personal networks.
• Coordinate various payment methods;
• Arrange transportation, including trucks and labor for heavy lifting;
• Schedule deliveries with clients.

These efforts drain valuable time and resources, diverting focus from direct services. Alternatively, households often go without furniture until they can afford it, exacerbating stress, anxiety, and financial strain.

Dallas Furniture Bank: Closing the Gap

Dallas Furniture Bank is the only organization in North Texas dedicated solely to addressing the furniture gap in housing services. By serving as a one-stop source for basic household furniture, DFB frees up time and resources for case managers and provides essential furnishings that support physical and emotional well-being. Dallas Furniture Bank is an essential component of the housing ecosystem in North Texas.

In 2024, Dallas Furniture Bank partnered with 30 agencies directly and 28 through Housing Forward, providing over 19,000 items of household furniture to approximately 1,200 families in North Texas.

Domestic violence entered my life unexpectedly and turned my world upside down. I had no idea how owning a mattress and a sofa again would bring me dignity and a sense of worth. I am so grateful for these basic items and finally feel I belong somewhere and that I matter. I felt I didn’t matter as I had no place to call home or lay my head down. This furniture has grounded me and given me stability and a fresh start in life. I am humbled and beyond grateful. 

- P. H., DFB Client