HOUSEWARMING DRIVE TO HELP RISING NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND FAMILIES WITH BASIC
HOUSING NEEDS ACROSS LOWER MAINLAND

"Once people are housed, the question is do they buy a used easy chair or groceries and keep sleeping on their clothes."

VANCOUVER, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - The HomeStart Foundation, a front line agency that provides furniture to people who have been homeless, and Vancouver-based 1-800-RID-OF-IT Junk Removal, announced today they are partnering to furnish five to seven homes for those most in need in Vancouver during a time when the economy and ongoing lack of affordable housing are translating into heightened demand, especially from families with children.  In addition to furnishing the homes, the goal is to raise $21,000 that will furnish an additional 78 Homes.  It only costs $270.00 to furnish a home.

"Once people are housed, the question is do they buy a used easy chair or groceries and continue sleeping on their clothes?" says Vikki Stevenson, executive director of HomeStart, which works with 81 agencies across the Lower Mainland, including the Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission, to provide basic furnishings. "We know demand is up. Times are definitely worse, which is why we've made this appeal.

She said there has been a twenty five per cent increase between October 2009 and October 2010 in the number of people requesting furniture. In the first nine months of 2010, HomeStart provided more than $110,000.00 worth of furniture to people in need (based on thrift store pricing), and free delivery worth over $60,000, a 15 per cent increase over the same time last year.

The partnership's Second "Housewarming Drive" - is appealing to the Vancouver community to donate unwanted furniture that will be picked up by 1-800-Rid-Of-It Junk Removal free of charge this coming Thursday and Friday, October 21st and 22^nd. 1 800 RID OF IT will be picking up items west of Boundary Road in Vancouver.  Items that are most helpful are kitchen sets and dressers - gently used or in excellent condition..

To make a financial contribution people can visit www.homestart.ca to make a donation over the web or give a cheque payable to HomeStart Foundation to any of the 1800 Rid Of It drivers.

"We know from pick-ups and talking with customers that there are loads of dressers and chairs that could use a new home.," said Mike McKee, president of 1-800-Rid-Of-It Junk Removal.

He said people can call 1-800-RID-OF-IT Junk Removal and a team will arrive to pick-up the furniture on either Thursday or Friday.

For further information:

Vikki Stevenson, Executive Director HomeStart Foundation, [phone]
Mike McKee, President of 1-800-Rid-Of-It Junk Removal, [phone]