No one leaves home unless

Home is the mouth of a shark

You only run for the border

When you see the whole city running as well…”

— Warsan Shire 

There are 900 Afghans coming to Nebraska by the end of February 2022, and our entire city will need to rise up to ensure that each family has what they need, as they begin their new life here.

Refugee Empowerment Center put together a list of what is needed to furnish a home for a family of four. Many of the families coming are large (8 to 12 people), so to get an idea of what is needed for a family of 8, double everything on this list. If you would like to sponsor a family, (collect all the items on this list and setup a family’s new home) please email Drew Pauly: drew@refugeeempowerment.org 

To purchase these items on Amazon (will be shipped directly to the Furniture Bank), click here. 

To drop items off at the Furniture Bank, click here to sign up for a 5 minute drop off time.

We need help sorting new donations! Sign up to volunteer at the Furniture Bank here. 

We are not able to pick-up items. As a quick solution, we recommend renting a U-Haul or Lowes truck for $19.99. The Furniture Project is able to do limited pick-ups of critical items, and can be contacted here. 

Kitchen Items

  • One complete set of forks, spoons and knives (new preferred)
  • Complete set of at least large plates, small plates, bowls, coffee mugs and drinking glasses (at least 2 of each item)
  • Pots and pans (including large stockpot with lid and frying pan)
  • Stove top pressure cooker (new only, essential for cooking meat and rice… no Instapots, please)
  • Baking Sheets (2)
  • Baking dishes (2)
  • Serving/Mixing bowls (4)
  • Knife set
  • Utensil set (including spatula, wooden or silicone spoon, serving spoon)
  • Can opener
  • Sink strainer
  • Dish drying rack
  • Food storage container set
  • Cutting board
  • Drawer utensil tray
  • Dish towels (5)
  • Pot holders (4)
  • Tablecloth (1)
  • Microwave
  • Tea Kettle

Linens and Household Items

  • Bedsheets — twin, full, queen (one per bed)
  • Crib (if there is a baby)
  • Blanket — twin, full, queen (one per bed)
  • Pillows (new only) (2 per person)
  • Alarm clock
  • Bath towels and washcloths (8)
  • Light bulb package (2)
  • Shower curtain and rings
  • Shower curtain rod
  • Paper notepads, pen/pencils, calendar (2)
  • Hanger set (8 sets)
  • Bath rug

Child Items

  • Car seat (new only)
  • Diapers

Cleaning Supplies

  • Dish soap (4)
  • All purpose cleaner (4)
  • Sponges (4)
  • Dish scrubber (4)
  • Laundry detergent (4)
  • Small trash can, bathroom
  • Large trash can, kitchen
  • Broom with dust pan
  • Box of trash bags (4)
  • Toilet brush
  • Vacuum cleaner (bagless preferred)

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper package (4)
  • Shampoo (4)
  • Soap (4)
  • Toothbrush (4)
  • Toothpaste (4)
  • Deodorant (4)
  • Razor package (4)
  • Shaving cream (4)
  • Feminine hygiene products (pads only, no tampons) (4)
  • Lotion (4)

Furniture Items

  • Twin, full, queen mattress (4)
  • Twin, full queen platform bed frame (4)
  • Dresser (1 per bedroom)
  • Dining table
  • Dining chairs (4)
  • Large couch
  • Lounge chair/recliner
  • Coffee table
  • End table (2)
  • Table lamp (2)
  • Floor lamp (3)
  • Medium to large size rug