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V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 36 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E 2027 GOALS Furniture Friends enters 2027 with strong momentum follow- ing our 2026 Westbrook warehouse expansion. Thanks to gen- erous business partners who donated vertical racking, our upgraded capacity allows us to streamline deliveries across Greater Portland while forging new partnerships to extend our reach into underserved Maine communities. In 2027, we are rebranding to celebrate our intergenera- tional volunteer network and deepening key partnerships, such as with Maine Needs, to provide furniture and wrap-around household goods to nearly 2,000 neighbors—including new Americans, shelter residents, and domestic violence survivors. Operationally, we are refining intake systems, inventory man- agement, and expanding our SleepWell Partnership Program across Cumberland County. Through SleepWell, we are shining a light on how founda- tional a good night's sleep is to community health. Research shows that individuals exiting shelters often sleep on floors for months or even years, which severely compromises physical recovery, mental well-being, and childhood education. By replac- ing hard floors with proper beds, SleepWell drives measurably better health and educational outcomes for newly housed fam- ilies while enhancing well-being for the dedicated case manag- ers supporting them as they rebuild their lives. THE FURNITURE PROBLEM Americans discard 12 million tons of furniture annually, creat- ing an unaddressed environmental crisis of throwaway culture and discarded family heirlooms. Furniture Friends offers a pow- erful dual solution: protecting our planet while empowering our most vulnerable neighbors. In 2025, we diverted 400,000 pounds of furniture from landfills—equivalent to recycling roughly 14 million aluminum cans—and we are on track to exceed half a million pounds annu- ally. Repurposing quality furniture keeps waste out of landfills, brings dignity to newly housed families, and fosters intergenera- tional community spirit. By turning potential waste into housing stability, we build a greener, more empathetic Maine together. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES There are many ways to be part of the work Furniture Friends does every day across Cumberland County. One-time and recur- ring individual gifts fund the day-to-day work of sourcing, clean- ing, storing, and delivering furniture to families. Furniture dona- tions from businesses, hotels, and individuals are accepted at our Westbrook warehouse and assessed for quality and dis- tribution. Planned gifts and estate contributions support long- term infrastructure that allows Furniture Friends to support Mainers for generations to come. SleepWell is Furniture Friends' new partnership program, built around giving every neighbor the best restorative night's sleep possible. High school vocational students build sturdy, lightweight bed frames and then deliver them, along with a mattress, at no cost. In partnership with Maine Needs, Furniture Friends com- pletes the full bedding package with comforters, sheet sets, and pillows. Partnership tiers range from $250 to $75,000 annually. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES More than 400 individuals contributed 4,770 hours in 2025, sorting, loading, delivering, and setting up furniture alongside neighbors settling into their new spaces. In 2027, we are build- ing volunteer tracks to match more people to the work that fits them best: warehouse sorting shifts, delivery crews, restoring and fixing furniture, and administrative support, to name a few. Whatever you have to give, there's a place here for you. Every hour you give helps turn a house into a home. Furniture Friends AT A GLANCE Established: 2012 Employees: 5 Annual revenue: $453,255 Mail: P.O. Box 631 Westbrook, ME 04098 Physical Location: 15 Saunders Way, Loading Dock 500D-2 Westbrook, ME 04092 www.FurnitureFriends.org @furniturefriends207 MISSION STATEMENT: Creating Homes. Rebuilding Lives. Furniture Friends collects gently used furniture items for redistribution, keeping thousands of pounds of furniture out of landfills. We believe providing essential furniture can catalyze growth and change in the lives of the community members we support, and that every neighbor deserves stability, dignity, and comfort. Furniture Friends is the last mile in housing stability for Greater Portland's most vulnerable populations. By redistributing gently used fur- niture, we divert tons from landfills to provide essential home furnishings. Creating Homes. Rebuilding Lives. We believe every neighbor deserves dignity, comfort, and the stability that catalyzes lasting personal growth. SERVICE LOCATIONS: Our service area includes the following cities and towns: Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham and Yarmouth. TOP FUNDING SOURCES: 37% Annual Fund 37% Events 25% Grants 1% Other LEADERSHIP Tae Chong, Executive Director BOARD OFFICERS Taylor Taliaferro, Board President Susan Murr, Board Vice President Alastair Lawson, Board Secretary Betsy Smith, Board Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Andy Abrams Saphire Ensworth Jamie Frueh Sarah Hipple Paige Kombakis Holly MacEwan Bryan O'Connor Toho Soma Zach Vincent John Violette Linda Young P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F F U R N I T U R E F R I E N D S P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F F U R N I T U R E F R I E N D S Tae Chong Taylor Taliaferro

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