“ If you are seeking resources, are new to Hamilton, or are in need of furniture you may contact the following for assistance:
St. Vincent Du Paul – 905-549-3902
Parkview Church – 905-574-6917
This student led project explores the logistics of creating a furniture bank for CityHousing, but remains in the planning phase. ”
How can CityHousing Hamilton create a furniture bank to address new tenant needs?
Project Description:
In 2019 CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) began seeing an increase in tenants moving in under a range of circumstances such as coming from shelters, victims of abuse or homelessness. Often these tenants move in without basic household goods, such as furniture, curtains, kitchenware, etc.
CHH began organizing a furniture bank to assist new tenants in getting the household goods they need to create a new home. This project has been on hold due to staffing shortages and COVID-19.
The current space available is a large storage room in one of City Housing’s downtown buildings. The goal is to organize, track and manage the use of this space in a safe and supportive way for tenants.
Students could create a procedure for getting the furniture bank up and running (ex. donation forms/process, promotion plan, policy on what CHH can accept as donations and/or surveying tenants to better understand their needs upon move-in).
City Staff: Karol De Stefano, Community Development Coordinator, CityHousing
Faculty, Course & Students: Jim Vanderwoerd, Redeemer University, Capstone 410A, 4-5 students
Where will the work go and what will it be used for:
Work will be used to create sustainable furniture bank that will be accessed by tenants of CityHousing
Deliverables: Project Report addressing driving question, including recommendations and identification of next steps
