Charity is making new furniture from old

11:44am Monday 4th April 2005

IMAGINE how devastated you would be if you couldn't afford any furniture for your home.

Irmina Joseph, sales administrator at HomeStore, Stratford, knows how that feels. Just over five years ago she was an unemployed single parent.

She said: "I managed to get six months work experience with HomeStore. After that I became a volunteer and when the job as sales administrator came up I applied and was lucky enough to get it.

"I thoroughly enjoy working here. I have been in the same position as some of the clients and know it is really degrading not to be able to afford even the most basic furniture."

HomeStore is a charity supplying quality second-hand and sometimes new furniture to people on benefits and low incomes.

The warehouse-sized building is stocked with armchairs, sofas, tables, cabinets and much more.

Manager Jim Carling said: "The aim of HomeStore is to recycle unwanted furniture and sell it on to clients who have very little money.

"They are referred to us by agencies such as Age Concern, Mind, and Newham General Hospital.

"HomeStore aims to sell furniture at affordable prices which are at least one third of those charged in second-hand shops."

He added: "Just because a person is unemployed, on a low wage or receiving benefits doesn't mean they want to buy rubbish.

"Selling them decent furniture at a reasonable price helps to give them some pride in their home, which in turn gives them pride in themselves."

HomeStore, a Quaker Social Action project, has been established for 16 years and in Maryland Road for five.

It supplies and collects furniture from donors in Stratford, Waltham Forest, and Redbridge.

It has proved so successful it was one of only three voluntary sector organisations to win a 2005 Liveable City Award from the Corporation of London.

Clients can furnish their homes for an estimated £100.

All items sold by HomeStore are donated either by members of the public, local businesses or corporations. Some furniture such as a pair of wooden kitchen tables and chairs and a van load of samples from the John Lewis store are brand new.

Mr Carling said HomeStore does not repair or refurbish furniture although small repairs such as fixing shelving and door handles can be carried out.

As well as supplying household furniture HomeStore offers something which money can't buy.

Volunteer Faz, said: "I have been here since last September. I enjoy coming and it makes me feel good knowing I am helping to set people on the road to a new home."

Two days each week social services worker Barry Borrman leads a team of volunteers with learning disabilities. They carry out minor repairs in the project's small workshop.

HomeStore has also been supplying white goods such as fridges, and washing machines, but the supply has dried up.

Mr Carling said: " If any white goods wholesalers with, say, out of date stock or shop soiled goods wish to donate, please get in touch."

Call 8519 9453 or email homestore@dial.pipex.com. You can check out the website on www.quakersocialaction.com.