Description:

The Lorain County Furniture Bank is a non-profit charitable organization providing household furnishings to families and individuals by linking donations of good useable furniture to those in need; with the support and cooperation of Lorain County agencies, donors, and community partners.

Guidelines for Making Referrals

In order for an individual or family to obtain furniture from the LCFB, a referral must be made from an agency representative, pastor, or other community member who is fully aware of the individual or family’s needs. The referral must then be faxed to (440) 960-0308.

Please Note: Requests will only be accepted on the LCFB referral form – be sure to include the following information:

·        Name, address, and contact telephone number of the individual or family needing furniture or appliances.

·        Name and contact telephone number of the referring agency and/or referent.

·        Description of the need for furniture or appliances, including what specific items are needed.

·        Please include a notation indicating that the need for the particular item(s) has been verified.

·        Include a description of any special circumstances which may help the LCFB prioritize the request.

·        Please advise if your client will not be able to pick up furniture because of special circumstances.

Who is Eligible to Receive Goods?

·        Clients who have previously been homeless but have found housing within the last two years.

·        Victims of domestic violence who are moving into their own housing within the last two years.

·        Disabled adults and/or children who are represented by a local service agency.

·        Persons with a chronic or life threatening illness and are moving to their own housing.

·        Clients of local social service agencies who are in need of the appropriate furnishings to care for their children and families.

·        Homeless young adults who are transitioning into their own housing.

·        Low income families and their children.

·        Any client that fits the above categories and is represented by a social service agency, church pastor, police department or court office that can verify need is eligible to receive goods upon referral to the Bank.

What Happens Once the Referral is Made?

·        The LCFB will contact the individual or family in order to make arrangements for a selection and pick up time. Three attempts will be made before the client is taken off the list.  

·        The LCFB will schedule an appointment with the person or family to pick up the requested items. Please Note: the Bank will not deliver – client must make arrangements for pick up. You or the client can call (440) 240-0089 to make the necessary arrangements or leave a message.  

·        Because all items are donated, supplies vary over time. The person/family must take whatever is available on the day they come. The referral is then closed. Please Note: unmet bed requests will be an exception to this rule.

What is Available?

Most pieces of furniture in addition to household goods like blankets, sheets, curtains, towels, pots & pans, glassware, dishware, etc. Clients are limited to what items they can have due to availability at the time of need.

Other Important Information

·        Do not send clients directly to the Bank with their referral form in hand – all referrals must be faxed to the LCFB at (440) 960-0308.

·        Be sure that your client has not received goods from LCFB in the last 2 years – if they have they are ineligible to receive additional goods.

·        Appointments must be kept in order for the client’s file to remain opened.

·        The LCFB has a long waiting list and furniture and other household goods may not be available immediately.

·        Referrals are prioritized and emergency needs are filled first.

·        Clients should not call the LCFB – the Bank will call the client.

·        Be on time for appointments

·        An agency can call anytime during working hours to find out the status of their referral by calling (440) 522-9857 and (440) 522-9835 – or leave a message on the voice line at (440) 240-0089.

·        Twin beds will only be given to families as the Bank wants to raise the number of families served.

Hours of Operation: Monday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Tuesday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Wednesday *closed*; Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Address: