New Life Furniture Bank Helps the Homeless Transition to a Furnished Home

Editor's Note: The following post has been submitted by New Life Furniture Bank.

Rich Purnell, Executive Director of New Life Furniture Bank in Walpole, will tell you – he’s got the best job in the world. 

"It’s true – I do," said Purnell on the warehouse floor of the New Life donation center. “Every day I witness donors and volunteers giving generously of their time, of their earnings, and of their home furnishings, and then I have the privilege of seeing veterans, families, and the elderly receive what they thought was unimaginable: items that most of us take for granted, but that many go without - beds for their children and themselves, a kitchen table and chairs, and a couch where they will curl up with their loved ones like they use to before they lost their job, got sick, or both. Every day I see people’s dreams come true. I ask you, what job is better than that? I am grateful to our supporters for trusting New Life and for giving me that privilege.”

New Life Furniture Bank is launching its “Real Stories. Real Need. Real Impact” annual campaign by sharing real stories where New Life’s services have made a real impact. As an important contributor in the battle against homelessness in Massachusetts, New Life knows this year’s campaign is critical to its continued growth. The furniture bank has the ambitious goal of raising $160,000 by December 31. 

Over its eight years of operation, New Life has gained a reputation across eastern Massachusetts as a reliable resource that provides those in need with quality, gently used home furnishings and personalized support from caring volunteers.  To date, New Life has served 3,749 households. It expects to serve approximately 700 additional households in 2022.

“My team and I are grateful for the generosity of our community this past year. Throughout the difficulties of the pandemic our donors and volunteers supported us so that we could continue our mission of helping families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Together we helped turn people’s empty spaces into welcoming, warm homes. . . . There is a real need out there -– beds, tables, couches and other home furnishings bring individuals and families joy and peace all year round."

For more information about New Life Furniture Bank and ways to get involved, visit https://newlifefb.org.

Thanks to New Life Furniture Bank for sharing its news with Westwood Minute.