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 80,000 families – totaling more than 200,000 individuals – right here in Central Ohio.
We continue our efforts with the help of over 7,500 furniture donors, 2,000 volunteers, and 75 social service partners. Contact us today to learn how you can help.
Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is proud to be a founding member of Furnish Together, a national coalition of nonprofit furniture banks committed to addressing and ending furniture poverty.
Furnish Together brings furniture banks from across the country together to strengthen practices, share resources, and elevate the importance of safe, functional home furnishings in housing stability and community well-being.
As a Founding Member, Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is helping shape this new coalition and contribute to a stronger, more connected furniture bank field nationwide.
Meet the People Leading the Furniture Bank Forward
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of industry leaders with a passion for the Furniture Bank's mission. They are instrumental in setting the organization's strategic direction and providing programming and event support. Click here to view our lookbook.
- Marty Rosenthal, Chair, American Electric Power
- Darla King, Vice Chair, King Business Interiors, Inc.
- Sana Barrett, Secretary, Community Leader
- Steve Ayers, Nationwide Insurance
- Danielle Black, Fisher Management Partners
- Dirk Defenbaugh, VENN Growth Collective
- Jamie Edwards, City of Columbus
- Brent Hammer, Grange Insurance
- Carl Marrelli, EY
- Anne Mikan, Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities
- Ashley Patton, Bath & Body Works, Inc.
- Bibi Schofield, RiverVista Behavioral Hospital
- Brian Williams, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Nick Drake, Homage, LLC.
- Sarah Eilerman, KPMG
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
- 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.