​The VFC has been highly dependent on donated used furniture. As a result, we often have not had the full compliment of furniture the veteran needs. Donated furniture is often not suitable for the small apartments available to eligible veterans. The furniture is either too large or not otherwise serviceable.  Where possible, we sell the furniture we can’t use, using the proceeds to purchase new furniture better suited to our operation. As a result, we have had to spend more time picking up and processing donated furniture than we do making deliveries, limiting our capacity to respond to increasing demands.

To address these issues, the VFC is transitioning to a new model based on carefully selected purchased furniture and goods to make up a standard kit that includes a full compliment of bedroom and living room furniture; kitchenware, including dishes, cookware, and small appliances; linens, including sheets, towels and dish towels; and a hygiene kit. Through very selective purchasing, obtaining discounts and donations from retailers, and the support of our volunteers to assemble items, we are able to provide each transitioning veterans with a full complement of new furniture and household goods for under one thousand dollars.
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This new approach assures that every transitioning formerly homeless veteran we serve receives the full compliment of furniture and household goods they need to begin a new, productive life. Furthermore, new furniture and household goods have a larger psychological impact on the transitioning veteran’s self worth than receiving a limited set of someone else’s discards. By reducing the need to collect and process used furniture, the VFC capacity to help those in need is greatly increased, allowing us to respond to increasing demands. It also enhances operations by providing quantifiable and trackable inventory and costs. The transition to the new model is underway. As an example, thanks to a generous donation-in-kind from Living Spaces, we are now able to guarantee everyone of our needy veterans a new, comfortable bed in which to sleep.

The transition is underway. As shown  in the diagram above, 2018 is a critical year for the VFC and we are working hard to make this happen.  To meet our goal we need to increase our support in the community. You can help. Please visit the Help Us page on this website for information and ideas on how you can help make a difference.

Today we were honored to receive another wonderful donation from this valuable friend of the VFC. Doug Hunt, representing Post 44 out of Scottsdale, presented us with a check in the amount of $1,000. This is not the first time this group has helped out the VFC and we appreciate their continued support.

On this past Wednesday, December 13th, the VNSA presented the Veterans Furniture Center with a wonderful grant in the amount of $5,000. The check was presented during the VNSA Holiday party to Bill Garling, one of our very valuable volunteers. We were honored to have Bill and his wife Carmen represent the VFC at this event. 

One of our star volunteers recently hit a milestone with the VFC. Wally Henry, the wife of another of our stellar volunteers - Bob, just hit her 100th day of volunteering with the VFC. Wally has been working almost every Tuesday to organize our linens area. She works with Bob in one of the old offices to sort, package and label the bed linens, blankets and towels. Her dedication to the VFC is inspirational and we were proud to be able to do a little something special for her. 

In a brief ceremony we officially designated the office as the Wally Henry room in her honor. Thanks for all you do Wally, it makes huge difference.

The Diamondbacks Charities recently held their annual golf tournament to raise monies for local charities. We are pleased to be included in that list of charities and to receive a check for $10,000. 

The Diamondbacks do a lot for charities in Arizona and to be selected as one of those to receive funds was a great acknowledgement of the work our volunteers do in the community. We operate with the help of 99% volunteers, with only one (1) paid employee, and could not accomplish all we have without their help. Even with that, we do have operating cost and this donation, by the Diamondbacks, will ensure operations through the end of this year.

THANK YOU Arizona Diamondbacks!

Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Living Spaces and their REVIVE line of bedding, we just received a shipment of 242 full size mattress sets! We can now deliver brand new, in the wrapper, mattress and box springs to our clients! Thank you Living Spaces and the great people of Arizona for their support.