Office Characters

It was pouring rain and gloomy as I pulled into my parking spot at the Furniture Bank. Instantly I noticed a large, scruffy looking man standing on the dock in front of the entrance to the office. Specifically, I remember the broad, reflecting aviator glasses he wore and wondered why he might need them on such a gloomy day.

Over the next several weeks, Elbert became a staple in the Furniture Bank office. Each day he would linger in, greet everyone, and make a pot of coffee for himself. And I do mean for himself. If we let him he would probably drink several pots.

Elbert is homeless and lives in the woods nearby. We have steadily learned more about his story as he comes in day after day. Though he has no home and can't utilize the Furniture Bank's services at this time, his story reminds us why non-profits, like the Furniture Bank, are important to the Atlanta community of social service agencies.

There are many like Elbert - homeless, lonely, without a support network. Non-profits that serve the homeless community work diligently to provide essential services like housing and food yet the need grows daily. The Furniture Bank helps other non-profits work more effectively and efficiently – without us they would have to spend time and resources getting furniture – and they need all their time and resources to help people like Elbert find housing and sustain housing.

But without furniture, what is a house?

Elbert is a quiet guy with a large presence. During the day you can find him stationed in any number of places in the office - generally with is aviator glasses pulled over his eyes. His presence is a constant reminder of why the Furniture Bank exists.