Community Warehouse, a nonprofit furniture bank serving the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, is preparing for its 25th annual Chair Affair fundraising event on April 23rd. The event, scheduled to begin with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the program commencing at 7:00 PM, aims to support the organization’s mission of providing household goods and furnishings to individuals and families overcoming adversity.
Founded on the principle that sufficient resources exist within the community to meet everyone’s basic needs, Community Warehouse collects donated furniture and household items and distributes them to those in need. The organization currently operates furniture banks in Portland, Gresham and Tigard, accepting donations of items ranging from mattresses and dressers to kitchen supplies and modest appliances.
Demand for Community Warehouse’s services has significantly increased since the start of the pandemic, growing by 150 percent, according to the organization. A four-year strategic plan is currently underway to address this increased demand and expand the organization’s reach.
Donations of specific items are particularly sought after. Currently, the organization is prioritizing small kitchen appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders, as well as stock pots. Accepted items likewise include sofas and loveseats (up to eight feet in length), pillows, blankets, towels, linens, and basic kitchenware. A complete list of accepted donations is available on the Community Warehouse website.
Individuals can support Community Warehouse through several avenues: by dropping off donations at one of the three furniture bank locations, by making a monetary contribution, or by shopping at the organization’s Estate Store located in Portland. The Estate Store offers unique furniture and home goods, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Community Warehouse mission. The Portland furniture bank is located at 3961 NE MLK Jr Blvd, with phone hours Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and donation hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Westside Furniture Bank is located at 9806 SW Tigard St, with the same phone and donation hours. The Gresham location, at 464 NE 219th Ave, accepts donations Wednesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Community Warehouse can be contacted at 503.235.8786 for donation and client services inquiries. The Estate Store can be reached at the same number, extension 5, and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Development-related inquiries can be directed to development@communitywarehouse.org, extension 8.
