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

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.

  • Steve Ayers, Nationwide Insurance
  • Jeremy Ball, Chair, Community Leader
  • Sana Barrett, Cramer & Associates
  • 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
  • Vince Parisi, Columbia Gas
  • 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
  • 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.

View our open employment opportunities.

 

Financial Reports

We are honored you have trusted us with your financial contributions. And that is why we want to be transparent about how these funds have been used.

Download Our Most Recent IRS Form 990:

How Our Social Enterprise Helps

Because we generate a portion of our own funding through fees-for-service and social enterprise operations (Furniture with a Heart Thrift Store and our Downsize with a Heart moving and downsizing business), we pay for our administrative and fundraising expenses with funding generated by fee-for-service (FFS) and earned income. This allows donor dollars to go directly to programs and services.