March 2025 Furniture Bank Newsletter
March is National Sleep Awareness month.
As we Spring Forward and lose an hour of sleep, we are all reminded of the importance of sleep, especially for children. 20,000 children in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties go to sleep each night without a bed of their own. Sleep isn’t just about rest, it’s essential for brain development and learning, physical health, and emotional well-being. If you want to change a community, let’s do it one bed at a time.
Will you help? Your $200 donation will buy a brand new twin mattress, foundation, pillow and bedding.
April’s Second Chance: A Grandmother’s Love and the Gift of a Home
Overnight, she went from being Grandma to becoming their everything—mom, provider, protector, and comforter. At a time when she should have been planning for the next chapter of her life, she found herself back in the whirlwind of diapers, school lunches, bedtime stories, and endless hugs that carried the weight of loss.
With little time to grieve, April focused on what mattered most; giving her grandchildren the stability they needed. But the reality of caring for an 11-year-old, a 10-year-old, a 7-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 5-month-old was overwhelming. Her home, once quiet and suited for a single woman, was not ready for five growing children. They needed beds, linens, a safe space to play, and a home that felt like home.
That’s when the Furniture Bank stepped in.
Through a referral from the Department of Human Services, the Furniture Bank learned of April’s situation and quickly mobilized to help. April was able to choose six twin beds—each with fresh bedding and fluffy pillows.
But the support didn’t stop there. The Furniture Bank also provided a sturdy dining table, ensuring the family could share meals together. A cozy couch found its place in the living room, where bedtime stories and movie nights would soon become cherished traditions.
For April, this wasn’t just furniture—it was hope. It was proof that she wasn’t alone, that her community saw her struggle and stepped up to help.
“I was so worried about how I was going to do this,” she admitted, wiping away tears. “I just wanted my grandbabies to have what they need. The Furniture Bank gave us more than beds and furniture—they gave us peace of mind, comfort, and a home where healing can begin.”
Thanks to the generosity of people like you, whether through furniture donations or financial support, the Furniture Bank is proud to help families like April’s. She is doing her part in raising the children of the future, and together, we can make sure no child goes without a safe and comfortable home.
How You Can Help
Your donation—whether it’s a gently used bed, a dining table, or a financial gift—can change the lives of families like April’s. Every piece of furniture helps build a foundation for children to grow, learn, and thrive. Donate today and give the gift of home.
Embracing Change: Building Stability in Uncertain Times
There is no shortage of opinions about what 2025 will bring, but one thing is clear: change is inevitable. At the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit, we’re not just adapting to change, we’re embracing it.
In a time of economic uncertainty, housing instability, and ongoing social challenges, the need for our work has never been greater. Many of the individuals and families we serve are navigating profound life transitions—overcoming homelessness, escaping domestic violence, and recovering from disasters. In an era where affordability is a crisis and support systems are stretched, a single piece of furniture is more than just an object; it’s a foundation for dignity, stability, and hope.
As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission: ensuring everyone has the right to a furnished home. With new energy and fresh perspectives, we’re committed to expanding our impact, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for those who need it most.
Now more than ever, community-driven solutions matter. Your support helps turn empty spaces into homes filled with warmth and possibility. Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation—together.
Stay connected, stay engaged, and be part of the change.
Spreading Warmth Beyond Our Homes
This February, Gorman’s Home Furnishings turned a housewarming party into a community-wide movement of generosity. Throughout the month, they collected furniture donations for three incredible local charities, including the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit.
The response was overwhelming—7 sofas, 2 love seats, 6 dining tables, 17 dining chairs, 4 coffee tables, 5 chest and dressers, twin frames, plus unique artwork and lamps—all finding new homes with families in need. In total, the donations were valued at $5,000 and directly impacted local families, giving them the comfort and stability they deserve.
A heartfelt thank you to Gorman’s for organizing the second annual Housewarming Party and to everyone who contributed.
Your kindness is truly making a house feel like home for so many!
In Honor
A good night’s sleep is essential for a child’s well-being, and thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Leonard and Diane Brillati of Macomb County, 50 children will now have a bed of their own.
Leonard, co-founder of Comfort Mattress Company in Roseville, understood the importance of quality sleep. In his honor, this incredible gift will provide new mattresses, foundations, pillows, and bedding for children who are currently sleeping on the floor, a sofa, or sharing a bed with a family member.
We can’t thank our supporters enough for making a difference. Just $200 provides a mattress to a child in need—please consider a gift.
Fun Fact:
Top Communities we receive the most donations:
-
Troy
-
Rochester Hills
-
Bloomfield Hills
-
Farmington Hills
-
Novi
-
Macomb Township
-
Livonia
-
Grosse Pointe
Fun Fact:
WOW! Did you know in 2024 we collected 450 tons of furniture. That’s roughly enough furniture to fill the entire 47 floor Penobscot Building in Downtown Detroit