In New York City, homelessness is an increasing epidemic. The numbers of those who are becoming homeless is growing, but there is an even greater problem - those who are reoccurring homeless. This is categorized by shelter re-entry-families and individuals who have been homeless, then moved into housing, and later lost that home, returning to shelters. Although there are factors that contribute to reentry such as job loss, domestic violence or unplanned pregnancy, one common general reason these individuals cannot get back on their feet is that they lack a sense of hope. Housing them may take them out of the shelters and keep them off the streets, but they cannot always be guaranteed functioning home furnishings. Furniture provides a cushion; sentiments of a safe haven and stable footing. Although it may not seem completely necessary, it becomes essential. Partnership for the Homeless has reported that due to factors such as increasing numbers of homelessness, overcrowded shelters and plunging temperatures, they are experiencing a higher demand for furniture and other needed products than they can provide! To combat this problem, these New York based small businesses are doing their part by chipping in: THE COMBATING COMPANIES.

FlatRate Moving

This Downtown Manhattan company started their “Furnished Home” program because they were experiencing a surplus of furniture left on their trucks when owners decide they’d rather refurnish. Therefore, FlatRate is donating furniture to a number of local charities-these can range from charity thrift stores to individual formerly homeless families.
Manhattan Mini Storage: With 13 locations in Manhattan, this storage company accepts donations of previously owned or new furniture and donates it to charities that distribute it to formerly homeless families to help furnish their home.
Trans-Ocean Import Company: Donate hundreds of brand new, never used rugs to local charities that distribute it to formerly homeless families to help furnish their homes.

Foremost Furniture

Donates slightly damaged (and therefore not sellable in their store) furniture to local charities that help furnish the homes of the formerly homeless.

Crate & Barrell

(Madison Avenue store) Donates miscellaneous high quality home furnishings to local charities that help furnish the homes of the formerly homeless.

These small businesses are showing that you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to make a difference. “There are a lot of people out there who need our help, people to whom the city and state can’t necessarily give aid,” said Eric Kleper, General Manager of FlatRate Moving. “We wanted to help, but we didn’t know what a small business like ours could do. Until we looked around and realized, let’s do what we do best, only lets do it for them. It makes us feel good to know we’re giving back.”

With millions of dollars flowing into Tsunami relief funds and donating companies receiving press for their good will, one small moving company, without millions to donate, did their part right at home in New York City. FlateRate Moving engaged in a bit of “Philanthropic Advertising.” Over the holidays, a slow time in the moving industry, rather than laying off workers and letting trucks remain idle, the company donated time, trucks and people power to pick up furniture from well-to-do families and donate it to formerly homeless. With 17,000 homeless families in New York alone, they were able to make a big difference. Along the way, the company garnered press for its efforts which brought awareness of its services to those in need while gaining a little publicity for itself.