TakingITGlobal

66 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 F urniture poverty is a pressing issue that many might not readily think about. Often, those living in poverty may not be able to afford a mattress to sleep on, a dresser for their children's clothes, or even a table to eat their meals. Recognizing this issue, Cecily Zeppetella created a volunteer-led organization called Upcycle for Change. Working in partnership with the Furniture Bank of Niagara, her organization works to upcycle donations that the bank receives but cannot use due to its poor condition, outdated status, or other damage. If these items are not upcycled, they would be tossed into a landfill. "Through providing beautiful furniture those in need can be proud of having in their home, we can alleviate some financial strains but also provide those we help with a sense of dignity and love for their new to them home," shares Cecily. Community and student volunteers were taught how to upcycle by fixing, sanding, redesigning, and painting donations made to the furniture bank. They completed projects from start to finish, and many volunteers expressed that their work supported their mental health while providing an opportunity to make new friends. "The biggest success was having the volunteers understand all the small barriers people have to overcome when homeless and transitioning to housing," Cecily reflects. "The lack of financial support during times of transition leaves a lot of these people without beds or furniture for their housing. That can be quite indignifying for people. So for us to be able to provide furniture that is beautiful and nice-looking took some weight off people's shoulders and gave them a space they were proud of and felt safe and comforted in." Upcycle for Change Cecily Zeppetella ...we can alleviate some financial strains but also provide those we help with a sense of dignity and love for their new to them home... An Upcycle Canada Podcast episode, featuring Cecily talking about her project.

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