What started in a Marin garage has grown into something remarkable. Carolyn Flannery — former antiques dealer and interior designer — began collecting furnishings and passing them along to foster youth embarking on their independent living journey, driven by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a real home.
Make It Home is Northern California's only nonprofit furniture bank, providing gently used furniture and household goods to newly-housed foster kids, formerly homeless families, and individuals in transition who would otherwise move into an empty apartment.
As Carolyn puts it, "Even when people gain access to subsidized housing, there's typically zero furniture and no money to get any after groceries and bills. More than just a table to study at or a bed to sleep in, we offer people pride of place."
What sets Make It Home apart is the care behind every delivery. Volunteers refinish, reupholster, and reimagine donated pieces, thoughtfully curating each space — then send a Polaroid to the partnering agency to share with the incoming client. The team sets up some 50 homes each month, including furniture, bedding, rugs, curtains, wall hangings, kitchen supplies, and even cleaning kits.
The mission is also good for the planet. As a Certified California Green Business and recipient of the 2022 Joe Garbarino Small Green Business of the Year Award, Make It Home keeps tons of furnishings out of landfills.
With locations in San Rafael and Walnut Creek, Make It Home serves seven Bay Area counties and has helped nearly 2,000 households — and counting.
For anyone navigating a move or looking to downsize, Make It Home is a wonderful partner — a meaningful way to edit your home while knowing every piece finds its way to someone who truly needs it.
As a founding board member and longtime supporter, this organization holds a special place for me — and if it moves you as well, even a one-time furniture donation or financial contribution goes a long way.
To donate furniture or learn more visit makeithomebayarea.org
