Free or Low Cost Furniture for African Americans

Furniture is something everyone either wants or needs, but it may not be something that everyone can readily afford. The higher costs of goods are making furniture prices increase, which is making it difficult for people to be able to get the furniture they want. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get free or low cost furniture. For African Americans and others who are struggling, there are ways to get all types of furniture for free or low cost.

Most people need to find affordable furniture for their home or apartment. This may include such items as bedding, couches, tables, chairs, televisions, desks, and more. These items and more can all be obtained free of charge or for low cost. The key to obtaining these items for free or low cost is being flexible. If you have an item you want and you are not flexible about things like the color or size, then you may have a more difficult time obtaining it. If you are flexible with things like the color then there is a good chance you will be able to obtain it for free or low cost.

Ways to Get Furniture for Free or Low Cost

There are numerous ways to get the furniture you need without spending a lot of money. Consider the options below to find the items you are looking for without putting out a lot to purchase it. Explore all the options until you find one that works for your situation.

Thrift Stores – There are thrift stores found all around the country. Most cities have multiple thrift stores. They are great places to check to find affordable furniture. Do a Google search to see what thrift stores are near you. To find the best ones in your area you could post on social media to see which ones people recommend and that are their favorites. Thrift stores are always hit or miss, which means that one day they may not have what you are looking for, but days later they may. They get in items on a regular basis that they can put out for people to purchase. You may need to visit the thrift store several times to find some deals on what you are looking for. You can also call them to see if they have the type of furniture items in stock that you are looking for.

Salvation Army – This faith-based organization helps people in various ways. They offer thrift stores around the country, in addition to the organization offices they have. Their thrift stores offer a lot of low cost furniture items. Depending on the location, they may also offer you some items for free if you need them. To get more information and find one of their thrift stores near you, click here.

Churches – Many churches around the country have thrift stores or will take donated items to give to those who need them. Contact churches in your area to let them know the type of furniture you are looking for and to inquire about obtaining it. They may be able to ask their congregation for any donations that can help. One of the missions of a church is to help people in the community who need assistance.

St. Vincent de Paul – This is another faith-based organization that has locations around the country. They provide items at a low price and they will also give people some free items if they need it. To find a location near you, click here.

Freecycle – This is a website that has groups all around the country. People in the groups post items that are free. Others in the group have the ability to go pick the items up. You can use their site to see if there is a Freecycle group near you. If there is not one already there you can always start one so that you and others benefit from it. To get more information, click here.

Curb Alerts – There are many curb alerts that take place in cities around the country, and most likely where you live as well. Curb alerts are when someone puts furniture out to the road for trash or for someone to take for free. Either that person or others passing by will take a picture of it and post it online and label it as a “curb alert.” They will also add the address, so that people know where it is located, and then someone can go pick it up for free. Watch for people to post curb alerts online and look for curb alert groups in your city or county.

Habitat for Humanity – This organization runs a group that helps people build their own homes. They also have housing thrift stores around the country. You can visit one and see what type of furniture items they have. New items are put out in the store each week. The items are donated to the organization by people in the community. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.

Catholic Charities – This national organization offers helpful resources for those who need it. They may also help people obtain free furniture, depending on what location you live near. Contact a location or two near you to see if they can help you obtain free furniture items. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.

Facebook Marketplace – Many people post furniture for sale in the Facebook Marketplace. Check yours weekly to see if people have posted items for sale that are low cost and what you need. You can also offer them less to see if they can meet your budget.

In addition to these options, you can post on social media and let your friends and family know that you need furniture items. They may be able to donate some to you or know of someone who is giving some items away. The more people who know you need a couch or other items will be able to help you locate one for free or low cost.

Have a question? Email us here anything that troubles you.