As we take some time to reflect on January, we recognize that winter is always a tough time for us to get the donations that we need for the Housing First program but it's also the most important time for donations to be coming in. Seeing the weather patterns that have been so unpredictable, HOME is even more important during this time of year.

We want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing community of supporters for donating furniture, shopping the stores and spreading the word as we do our best to get those donations to folks in the Housing First program. 

In January, with your donations, we are able to furnish 100 homes for folks moving out of homelessness through the Housing First program. 135 people transitioned out of homelessness and into a HOME. 

Thank you, Edmonton! 

We still have some work to do, though. Donations are low and we need your support. The biggest program needs are smaller, lighter couches, love seats, standing dressers and apartment sized kitchen tables.

You may be wondering why we are being so specific about what we can accept for Housing First. The biggest reason we have size and weight restrictions is because our Housing First participants are moving into market housing and almost exclusively into apartments. These buildings have tight hallways, are often 3 or 4 floor walk ups with no elevator or have small doorways that larger furniture doesn't fit into. By putting parameters around what we can accept for donations, we mitigate the risk of not being able to complete a furnishing because the items don't fit. This means we don't have to comeback to drop off items that previously didn't fit and we have more time to support more participants. 

As always, items that cannot be used for Housing First still help the program. Proceeds of sales from the retail store and our Online Boutique help purchase items that cannot otherwise be donated. Every items helps someone move out of homelessness! 

For a full list of what we accept, please click here. 

If you would like to make a donation, please drop off any day from 10am-6pm or call for a free pick up at 780 988 1717. Please note, pick ups are prioritized by Housing First appropriate items and wait times may vary due to capacity. 

Please continue to spread the word and help us get those donations in! Together, we will end chronic homelessness! 

Models: Mia, Retail Supervisor & Liz, Assistant Retail Supervisor