About the Furniture Bank
Our Mission and Vision
The Mission of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is to reduce the impact of poverty by providing furniture to central Ohio families and individuals struggling with severe life challenges.
Our Vision is for all central Ohio families to live in furnished homes, thereby strengthening family units, improving quality of life and building a better community. Community collaborations and resource sharing make this possible on an ongoing basis.
The History of the Furniture Bank
The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio was established in 1998 as Material Assistance Providers (MAP) to help furnish the homes of people emerging from homelessness. Our first year of operation was in the basement of a church, and we provided furniture to 400 local families. In 2006, after a successful $1 million capital campaign, we moved into our current facility in Franklinton.
We are one of the largest furniture banks in the country and have earned numerous awards for our program, including the Columbus Foundation Award in 2013.
In our 20+ years of operation, we have served more than 70,000 families – totaling more than 200,000 individuals – right here in Central Ohio.
We continue our efforts with the help of over 7,000 furniture donors, 2,500 volunteers, and 75 social service partners. Contact us today to learn how you can help.
Meet the People Leading the Furniture Bank Forward
Our Board of Directors
- Steve Ayers, Nationwide Insurance
- Jeremy Ball, Chair, Community Leader
- Sana Barrett, Community Leader
- Jamie Edwards, City of Columbus
- Brent Hammer, Grange Insurance
- Patricia Hicks, Outcomes Management Group, Ltd.
- Darla King, Secretary, King Business Interiors, Inc.
- Kevin Kuehl, Big Lots Stores, Inc.
- Jenna Loxterman, NAI Ohio Equities
- Thomas Mack, Treasurer, PNC Bank
- Ashley Patton, Bath & Body Works, Inc.
- Marty Rosenthal, Vice Chair, American Electric Power
- John Snoble, KPMG LLP
Our Operational Leadership Staff
Day-to-Day operations of the Furniture Bank is coordinated by our Operational Leadership team. To contact a member of staff, please contact us and your message will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
- Phil Washburn | President and CEO
- Frederick Baron | Director of Finance
- Matt Flovin | Director of Operations
- Christine Mills | Director of Development
- Shelby Furer | Director of Retail Services
Join Our Team
The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is a great place to work! Competitive wages/salary, health, 401(k) and other benefits available.