Free furniture, home essentials offered to Wilmington families in need
A couch, a bed, a kitchen table — basic items many take for granted — are often missing when some Delaware families first move into housing.
A new Wilmington-based initiative is working to change that.
The Foundation Project, launched by Wilmington City Council member and business owner Alexander Hackett, provides free furniture and household essentials to first-time renters, homebuyers, seniors and residents receiving housing assistance. The goal is to help families build a stable foundation once they've moved into the home.
Since its soft launch in June, Hackett says the program has already served more than 75 families with items like sofas, beds, dressers and nightstands.
What began with deliveries from trucks and cars is now moving to a publicly accessible location. The Foundation Project will open its new hub inside the Wilmington Public Library's Dickinson Room at 10 E. 10th St. While large item deliveries will continue, residents will also be able to browse in person.
HERE TO HELP: These Delaware programs bring essential resources directly to residents in need
Available items range from electronics like Echo Dot smart speakers and Ring cameras to everyday essentials like soap, laundry detergent and deodorant. Both new and gently used furniture—like couches, beds, and tables—will be available, as well as kitchenware.
The effort is supported by partnerships with local businesses and organizations, allowing the program, through its parent organization Community Cares, to distribute an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in goods back into the community, Hackett said.
But the initiative goes beyond material support. Hackett says the mission is about creating long-term stability.
'The first step is getting the housing,' he said. 'We want to continue to be part of the support system that helps build the foundation for our families in the state of Delaware.'
The grand opening for the Foundation Project is set for June 21, with regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hackett encourages qualifying residents to visit the Foundation Project's new location and take advantage of the resources available.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Free home goods project helps low-income Wilmington residents in need
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