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City to contribute $2 million toward Furniture Bank expansion to double annual clients
Summary
Council approved an ordinance authorizing up to $2,000,000 toward the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio’s 'Furnish Our Community' capital campaign to build a new warehouse and expand service capacity from about 4,000 to 6,000 families per year.
Columbus — The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing a capital contribution of up to $2,000,000 to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio’s Furnish Our Community campaign to construct a new on-site warehouse and renovate client-serving space.
Christine Mills, development director for Furniture Bank, told council the organization has served nearly 80,000 families since 1998 and that the proposed project will add roughly 50,000 square feet of warehouse space, expand production capacity and allow the nonprofit to increase annual clients served from about 4,000 to approximately 6,000.
Why it matters: Council members framed the investment as a way to help families move from unstable housing to functional homes — not just shelter but households outfitted with furniture where children can study and families can stabilize. The project also aims to improve operational efficiency and volunteer engagement.
Council action: The council voted to pass the ordinance authorizing up to $2,000,000 from development taxable bond fund and related budget amendments. The clerk called the roll; the ordinance passed.
Context and next steps: The Furniture Bank’s capital campaign target cited in committee materials is $9.5 million. The city contribution is intended for construction costs; the nonprofit said it also has volunteer and donor components including a wood shop and opportunities to build furniture for families.
Ending: Staff said the contract and funding would be contingent on the usual capital project approvals and that the Furniture Bank will proceed with construction planning after the city transfer and campaign milestones are met.
