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 some of the shelters and emergency services agencies we work with to supply furniture to those in need.
360ºkids
This organization was named one of Canada’s Best Charities 2020 by Maclean’s Magazine. 360ºkids provides support services to at-risk and homeless youth in York Region. They provide shelter for young people as well as other support services like clothing and food, employment services, and counselling. The organization now serves over 3,500 youth each year.
Inn From the Cold
Inn From the Cold supports people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. During the winter, they offer shelter to people in need, including access to meals, clothing, and laundry and shower facilities.
Blue Door Shelters
Blue Door provides safe emergency housing and housing services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They operate three locations in York Region: one for families, one for men, and one for male youth. In 2019, Blue Door provided 34,080 nights of safety and 102,240 meals to people in need.
Belinda’s Place
Owned by York Region and managed by the Salvation Army, Belinda’s Place is a multi-service facility that supports single women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. In addition to providing emergency shelter, they also offer housing support for people seeking transitional and second-stage housing, as well as employment services.
Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region
Sandgate is a charitable organization that provides 24-hour safe shelter to women and children in need. They also provide financial, legal, and housing assistance, including referrals to services like the JRCC Furniture Depot.
Victim Services of York Region
This non-profit agency works in collaboration with the York Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police to provide 24-hour emotional support and practical assistance to people who have been victimized by crime or other tragic circumstances. Victim Services offers quick response programs to victims of the most serious crimes, as well as crisis hotlines and support groups.
York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS)
The YRCCS provides services to adults and children who have experienced domestic violence. Their focus is on centralizing services under one roof to make things as easy for these individuals as possible. Among their services are trauma counselling, legal services, and housing and employment consultations. 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!
