Senate Testimony

Last Tuesday was an exciting day for Furnish Hope, loaded with promise and potential! Executive Director Megan Martin presented at our state capitol for the first Senate Reading of Oregon Senate Bill 1530, which, if passed, would allocate $1,000,000 “to provide one or more grants to a nonprofit organization to donate reused household goods and furnishings to low-income residents across this state.” Watch the complete testimony here.

United by a common mission, these Oregon furniture bank leaders shared testimony and camaraderie. Their presentation was extremely well received, including an additional fifteen minutes of dialogue with state representatives. If awarded, these grants would bolster the impact of furniture banks, like Furnish Hope, to reduce the affordability gap faced by so many Oregonians in need. It would be a significant game changer!

The demand for furniture bank services has greatly increased in recent years, mirroring the escalating challenges associated with affordable housing and homelessness. Furniture bank services are notably omitted from nearly all public housing funding, leaving housing agencies and their participants without the resources needed to furnish empty apartments. The passing of Oregon Senate Bill 1530 would be a critical step in ensuring that Oregonians entering permanent housing have access to the furnishings they need in order to achieve and maintain comfort and stability in their lives.

Photographed with Executive Director Megan Martin are State Senator and Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, District 27; Anna Kurnizki, Executive Director of Portland-based Community Warehouse and Kent Barker, lead volunteer at Salem Alliance Church Furniture Bank.