ROCKLAND — The Ripple Initiative’s (TRI) Furniture Bank is now open by appointment, serving Knox and Waldo Counties. Operating on the same business model as a food pantry; the Furniture Bank will provide essential furniture and household goods to those transitioning to stable housing.

TRI was founded in 2016 after months of extensive research identifying the need in the Midcoast area. The information gathered from local nonprofits, and a tour of the Knox County Homeless Coalition, made clear to everyone that a furniture bank would be the perfect solution to this community necessity.

“It seemed imperative to create a facility available to all community members in need” said executive director, Sharon Setz, in a news release. “All statistics were on securing the actual house/apartment, with no focus on the cost of actually furnishing it.”

To get the organization off the ground, 18 months was spent operating The Ripple Shop. Together with generous support from the Board, Camden and West Bay Rotaries, United Home Furniture, United Midcoast Charities, and many community members, TRI inched towards solidifying the goal of establishing a furniture bank.

Working off the success of the Sweet Dreams program, providing new beds and bedding to those in need, The Ripple Initiative sought to expand to other essentials.

Two major pieces of the puzzle fell into place in March of this year. First, TRI was selected as the recipient of One Community Many Voices 100+ Women Who Care, securing a $2100 gift.

Second, a fortuitous meeting with Tonya Carter, owner of Salty Waves Salon, who donated the 1800 square feet of space needed. TRI immediately set out to fill the Bank. All local case managers are encouraged to utilize the facility for their clients as well- TRI believes in collaboration and cost-effectiveness.

“Housing all donations in one location streamlines the process, cutting down on overhead, and conserving limited resources,” said Marty Jones, Board Chair, in the release. “I’m steadfast in our desire to see TRI’s Furniture Bank help those in need assimilate back into their community by providing the elements that make a house, a home.”

The Ripple Initiative’s Furniture Bank is located at 394 Old County Road and is accessed by appointment only.

You may start the process by calling or dropping by the office at 32 School Street, The Heritage Building, Rockland.

To sell/donate furniture in good, clean, working order or to request services, locate ‘The Ripple Initiative’ on FaceBook, on the web at goripple.org, or by calling (207)-691-3827.

To further assist TRI’s mission; simply drop off your returnables (or call TRI for pick up) at Wicked Redemption, 191 Park St, Rockland, and ask that proceeds be added to TRI’s account.