ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
At Recycling Furniture for Families (RF4F), we’re a non-denominational Christian charity serving families in need across McLean County. We are part of Partners for Community, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit ministry and a member of McLean County’s Continuum of Care Homeless Service Providers Network.
Since 2002, we have assisted more than 22,000 individuals in our community thanks to our generous donors and volunteers.
WHAT WE DO
We give furniture to people living at or below the federal poverty line—$11,940 in annual income for one person, plus $4,020 for each additional person in their household. We often step in after times of crisis, such as house fires, domestic violence, and transitions from homelessness. The furnishings we offer free of charge are part of the process of making a family’s house a home.
Last fiscal year, we supported more than 400 families by offering at least 8250 pieces of furniture. We do not inventory small household items, but we know those homewares likely triple the number of items we are able to offer to families.
A thankful client explains, “I have nothing but wonderful things to say on you guys’ behalf. I am more than grateful for the service I received. You guys just didn’t help me with some furniture. You helped give me the boost in confidence to develop autonomy and independence and make it on my own. Everyone needs help sometimes and I am so happy you guys helped me when I needed it most. God Bless.”
HOW WE WORK
We partner with more than 50 local service agencies and churches, who provide referrals to our services. After getting referred and pre-screened, including documenting income and household size, we work with local families to choose gently used furniture and home necessities. All the furnishings in our warehouse have been donated by community members. Our volunteers often pick up items directly from donors’ homes.
Our small staff of three supports 60+ volunteers who keep our operations running in our warehouse, on our truck, and in the office. We depend on monetary donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and service groups to continue to serve the most needy families in our community. The essentials we provide allow them to live in their homes with basic human dignity. They need us. And we need you.