New Life Is Turning Empty Spaces into Homes

Publishing on behalf of New Life Furniture Bank Executive Director, Rich Purnell –

New Life Is Turning Empty Spaces into Homes

Nearly a decade ago two friends met at a coffee shop and worked on a plan to start a locally based furniture bank. Not long after, that napkin sketch came to fruition and New Life Furniture Bank of MA was formed. Since that time the non-profit has brought hope and comfort to the lives of almost ten thousand people, including: veterans, single parents, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, people who lost their footing due illness or job loss, and, of course, their children.

New Life is launching its annual campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $185,000 by December 31, and New Life Furniture Bank Executive Director, Rich Purnell is asking that the community support their mission. “Over the last 12 months there has been a massive increase in demand for New Life’s services and our expenses are increasing. For example, donations of gently-used mattresses have declined significantly this year due to the diminished housing market. As a result, we need to purchase more mattresses than ever. Furthermore, the wholesale price we pay for mattresses has doubled over our nine years of operation. Cash donations are essential so that we can provide mattresses for as many of our clients as possible.”

“Try to imagine the challenges, stressors, and fears one faces when coming out of a homeless shelter,” said Purnell as he stood in New Life’s Walpole showroom surrounded by tables, chairs, other gently used home furnishings. “When we meet our new clients, they have at long last found a space to live in, which is fantastic! It’s what they’ve dreamed of for months or even years. But an empty space is not a home. Do you know what makes a place a warm, welcoming home? [It’s] beds, furniture, towels, sheets, and necessary kitchen items. But, with little or no budget for shopping, how can a person do it?” New Life Furniture Bank helps them do it, and supporters financial donations will enable New Life to reach and serve more households and bring support and security all year round.

Over its nine years of operation, New Life has gained a reputation across eastern Massachusetts as a reliable resource partner that provides those in need with quality, gently used home furnishings and personalized support from caring volunteers. During that time the organization has provided household items to more than 4,400 households because of generous donations from residents and businesses in the surrounding communities.

Gifts may be made at newlifefb.org or by check payable to New Life Furniture Bank of MA, sent to P.O. Box 573, Medfield, MA 02052.