Good foundation for comfortable homes

By Angela Paloubis-Contributing writer

Jane was a battered wife in Iran. A year ago, without her husband's knowledge, she took her two young children and slipped out of Iran to come to Canada as a refugee. She left everything behind.

She entered a transition house for battered women in Vancouver but wanted to start her own home. But Jane, who asked that her real name not be used because her husband is searching for her, had nothing. The transition house referred her to the HomeStart Foundation, a non-profit which helps people rebuild their lives by supplying furniture and household accessories.

"When I come to Vancouver 11 months ago, I had nothing," said Jane in accented English. "I asked HomeStart to give me beds, mattresses, tables and chairs for me and my children. They give to me with no problem. I am grateful. HomeStart help me with my life and home in Canada."

In its three years of existence, HomeStart has helped 700 families furnish their homes with donated furniture from a growing number of corporate partners and private donors. People benefiting from its services include refugees, people with mental and physical disabilities, women and children escaping domestic violence and families and individuals who have become homeless.

To receive the services provided by HomeStart, clients must be referred by one of the 35 community agencies in partnership with the organization. They include Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver-based refugee associations, AIDS organizations and transition houses for battered women.

Operations manager Caroline Cuillard says HomeStart also provides psychological support.

"When some of our clients feel sad and need someone to talk to, I'm here to help," she said. "We help our clients pick up the pieces and encourage them to leave all the bad things behind."

Much of the furniture comes from individual donations, but some also comes from corporate donors.

Coastal Hotel on Marine Drive has donated furniture for the past three years.

"When we upgrade our hotels, we donate five to six dozen good quality beds, mattresses and linens to HomeStart," said Bill Lewis, general manager of the hotel. "It's for a good cause, and Coastal Hotels want to help."

Operational costs for HomeStart have risen, says lawyer Susan Ferguson, a volunteer director with the organization.

"When people from Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond donate their furniture to HomeStart, we pay all costs for the movers, who pick up and deliver the furniture, costs for truck rentals and transportation," she said. "Now we also pay rent for the 1,200-square-foot warehouse on Rand Street."

Ferguson said HomeStart is always in need of home furnishings, but cash donations would increase the organization's ability to furnish more homes and help more people.

"The cost of completely furnishing a home is at least $150," said Ferguson. "Monetary donations would cover some of our costs and enable us to provide more services to adults and children in need."

Those wishing to donate home furnishings or money should contact Cuillard at 604-708-9556 or visit the website at www.homestart.ca for more information.

posted on 06/22/2005