November, 2024 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Together We Achieve and Central Furniture Rescue are proud to announce a new collaboration designed to empower families and individuals transitioning from homelessness. This partnership marks a significant step forward in both organizations’ commitment to supporting community members facing hardship. This collaboration will provide those moving into stable housing with basic furniture and household items and pre-packed food boxes, ensuring that each new household starts off with both the physical resources and peace of mind they need for a fresh start.
Central Furniture Rescue, a nonprofit committed to furnishing homes for those coming out of homelessness or difficult domestic situations, has long served the Cedar Rapids area by providing furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and more. Through this new program, each household will also receive a pre-packed food box from Together We Achieve, delivering nutritious items directly to clients as they begin to settle into their new homes. The food boxes will contain essential, non-perishable food items to ease the transition into new homes and support the well-being of our neighbors.
“We believe that everyone deserves a safe and welcoming space to call home, and through this collaboration, we’re taking an extra step to support our community members on their journey toward stability,” said Raymond Siddell, Executive Director of Together We Achieve. “By combining our services with Central Furniture Rescue, we can more effectively address the immediate needs of those transitioning into stable housing and ensure they feel supported every step of the way.”
To ensure sustainability, TWA will provide boxes in batches fof 50 with inventory replenished every two weeks. If CFR’s stock falls below 10, additional boxes will be promptly provided. TWA looks to add vouchers for fresh items like eggs, meat, and milk, allowing families access to a balanced diet.
“Together We Achieve’s food boxes are a meaningful addition to the work we’re doing for families rebuilding their lives,” said Susan Johnston, Executive Director of CFR. “These boxes offer immediate relief to our clients, many who face challenges obtaining nutritious food as they settle into new homes. This partnership extends our shared mission to bring essential resources directly to families in need.”
The collaboration launches in November as a pilot project, with both organizations assessing its impact throughout the month. CFR will keep track of distributed boxes and gather insights on program effectiveness through monthly reports to TWA. These reports will document household details, including the number of household members, providing both organizations with valuable data on program reach and demographics.
Each food box provided will bear a sticker symbolizing the partnership, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Together We Achieve and Central Furniture Rescue. This visible mark of support reminds recipients that they are not alone and that the community is standing by them through this critical time of transition.
By aligning resources, Central Furniture Rescue and Together We Achieve aim to address food insecurity and housing stability comprehensively. This collaborative approach also demonstrates the power of partnerships in tackling complex challenges that affect individuals and families in the Cedar Rapids Metro Area.
About Together We Achieve
Together We Achieve is a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit focused on alleviating food insecurity and offering essential support services. Serving nearly 425 households per week, Together We Achieve operates a choice food pantry and provides food delivery, holiday meal boxes, and a variety of other supportive programs. Through this collaboration, the organization continues its mission to provide accessible, reliable resources to vulnerable populations, fostering a resilient and thriving community.
About Central Furniture Rescue
Central Furniture Rescue is dedicated to furnishing homes for those transitioning from homelessness, domestic violence, and other challenging situations. They provide gently used furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and more to ensure that every home is fully equipped to welcome individuals and families as they rebuild their lives.
For more information, please contact:
Raymond Siddell
Together We Achieve
Phone: 319-432-9754
Email: [email protected]
Or
Susan Johnston
Central Furniture Rescue
Phone: 319-251-2008
This new partnership is a significant step toward building a community where everyone has access to the essentials needed for a stable life. Through collective action, Together We Achieve and Central Furniture Rescue are helping to turn houses into homes and challenges into new beginnings.
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