Hello, Friends!
I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for allowing me to indulge in this personal message! For nearly three years, it has been a humbling honor and a pleasure to work to support Houston Furniture Bank’s mission of “Making Empty Houses Homes.” I have had the privilege of telling the story of all the good things that go on here at Houston Furniture Bank. I have met so many wonderful people. I have had the honor of helping those in need and empowering others to support this work and worked with an amazing board, committed leadership, generous donors, diverse partners, and service-minded colleagues who have taught me so much. No matter where I go, I will continue to be a part of the Houston Furniture Bank team and support this important work.
Together, we have accomplished so much! During my nearly three years with Houston Furniture Bank, we launched the “No Kids on the Floor” program, marked 3,500 Hurricane Harvey survivors served, Raised $45,000 at the “No Kids on the Floor” Breakfast at the Junior League, responded to the coronavirus pandemic by creating masks and continuing services to families in need, marked 100,000 mattresses recycled, inaugurated the Art for All Donation Gallery, opened Houston Furniture Bank North, and, most recently, raised $50,000 during “Breakfast for Beds,” in support of the No Kids on the Floor Campaign. As a team, we have worked tirelessly to tell the story of the good work we are doing and attract supporters to our cause.
Why I Love Houston Furniture Bank
As I leave this role, I would like to take the opportunity to tell you why I love Houston Furniture Bank. For 29 years, Houston Furniture Bank has been “Making Empty Houses Homes,” and much, much more. It is special because it brings so many people and organizations together to do so much good. It’s not just about providing essential furniture, though that is what brings us all together. It is about reallocating resources for the greater good and keeping them out of the landfill. It is about ending the cycle of poverty by meeting the basic needs of our neighbors. It is about the dignity of work for families with barriers to employment. It is about empowering our community to join the team, from donors to furniture companies to our partner agencies to furniture outlet customers. It’s about being on what I like to call “Team Houston.” Under its umbrella, Houston Furniture Bank invites so many varied stakeholders with different backgrounds, political affiliations, and circumstances. It is diverse in every sense of the word. It changes lives, not only of those it serves but of those who experience the fulfillment of being a part of this work. Those who support Houston Furniture Bank know that it is better to give than to receive. Every day, we are helping families who are affected by domestic violence, bringing families together who have been separated, getting children off the floor, helping people recover from disasters, and working to end the cycle of poverty. This work matters!
We are looking for the right individual to take on the role of Director of Communications and continue the momentum we have created; someone who sees the value of our work and is passionate about shouting it from the rooftops. If you know of someone who you believe would be an ideal candidate, please send them along. You can find the job description HERE. I have accepted a position at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, which is close to my family. I will miss you so much!
Thank you!
Claire