Since it was created in 1984, the JRCC Furniture Depot has grown from a local community network into a large non-profit organization that has provided thousands of households with donated furniture items. In 2019 alone, the JRCC Furniture Depot received over 5,000 donated furniture items, and served over 750 families.
Part of the reason for the Furniture Depot’s tremendous growth is the relationships we have developed with partner agencies all across the GTA. These agencies provide social services to marginalized populations across Toronto and York Region, including people living under the poverty line, newcomers to Canada, and more.
All clients of the JRCC Furniture Depot are referred to us directly by case workers at these agencies. We work with over 60 social service agencies, whose clients are often in need of basic furniture items to create and maintain safe and healthy households.
Let’s take a look at some of the JRCC Furniture Depot’s partner agencies to better understand our clients. This is a partial list of our partner organizations that provide services to families and children in need.
Jewish Family and Child Service (JF&CS)
The story of JF&CS dates back to 1868, when the Toronto Hebrew Ladies’ Sick and Benevolent Society raised money to help poor Jewish immigrants to the city. Today it has become an organization of over 120 staff that work to respond to poverty, violence, and abuse in the GTA community. Their programs focus on increasing safety and security, reducing the effects of poverty, and improving mental health and wellness.
United Chesed of Toronto
United Chesed was founded to address the needs of the thousands of Jews living in poverty in Toronto. They offer immediate and discreet assistance for the short-term needs of Jewish people from all level of religious observance. Every year they provide thousands of dollars to cover urgent expenses like rent, heating, and electricity bills for impoverished people. They also collect donations of household items like appliances, toys, and medical equipment, and refer clients to other community organizations and service agencies.
York Region Children’s Aid Society (CAS)
The Children’s Aid Society works to keep children in York Region safe by providing child protection services around the clock. The CAS aims to keep families in York Region together through problem solving and connecting them to essential services.
You can find a full list of the JRCC Furniture Depot’s partner agencies here. You can support the JRCC Furniture Depot’s mission of providing free furniture to those in need, including clients of these agencies. Contact us today to arrange a furniture or monetary donation, or let us know if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer!