Less than 2% of social housing is furnished (even with just floor coverings or curtains) compared to 30% of private tenancies, and more than half a million children in England don’t have their own bed to sleep in. 14.3 million people in the UK are living in poverty, and that includes nearly 5 million children. In Leyton, where they are based, nearly half of all children are living in poverty.
Thousands of families who are already struggling on low incomes don’t have the means to buy furniture, which leaves parents with a stark choice of either living without furniture or taking out expensive loans, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that can be hard to break.
Women who are rehoused after fleeing domestic abuse are often given a completely bare property, making it more likely that they will return to an unsafe situation if they cannot look after their children in a cold, empty flat with minimal finances.
Giving furniture restores women and children’s hope and dignity. By creating a healing home that supports their physical and emotional wellbeing, Furnishing Futures help to increase their self esteem, support their physical health and improve their life chances by helping to break the cycle of poverty.
Giving children beds ensures that they get a good night’s sleep and can learn in school the next day; giving sofas and chairs creates a space to relax and giving tables and chairs gives families the opportunity eat together and a space for children to do their homework. Artwork, lamps, cushions and rugs are the finishing touches that help to make a house a healing home, and help us show marginalised families that they are valued and cared for.
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