Veterans, families displaced by natural disasters, people transitioning from homelessness and those who have completed rehabilitation programs are just some of those who have benefited from the services of the Community Warehouse Project (CWP) of Chester County.

Founded in November of 2017 by Chester County resident Glenda Brion, CEO and executive director, CWP is a nonprofit service organization that collects and redistributes donated furniture and other household items to families and individuals who are referred to the agency by local social service organizations.

"Most of our families and veterans have been homeless before they get to us. They work with housing agencies like Housing Authority (of Chester County) or (Chester County) Human Services or Home of the Sparrow. (The housing agencies) help with housing and they bring them to us for the furniture," Brion explained. "The beauty of this is that all of those agencies were struggling on their own in the past to try and find things for their clients. We take that off of their shoulders."

CWP stores an assortment of donated furniture and household items in two warehouse spaces donated by EKahn Development Corporation. "When we were doing it initially, people came in and shopped, and they were responsible for taking their own stuff home because we didn't have anyone to deliver it," Brion said. "When we stopped having them come in (because of the pandemic), we had to get the furniture to them. (Chester) County supplied some funding for us to pay a mover. We now deliver everything, which is so much better because so many people had a really hard time getting transportation to pick up the stuff."

In addition to furniture, recipients receive pots and pans; linens, including towels, curtains, sheets and comforters; silverware; and small appliances like toasters.

According to its 2022 year-end report, CWP served more than 1,100 Chester County residents, which includes 424 households, 74 veterans and 509 children. In addition, 650 beds were distributed in 2022. "We serve an average of six to 10 families a week," Brion noted.

Brion said that she is pleased by how much CWP has grown. "I didn't know what to expect, and it has all happened organically. We needed more (furniture), and we were able to get more," she said. "We have been able to serve any client that comes to us. We have been able to help them with 95% of what they ask for."

"One of the things that makes me very proud of what we do here is that not only is (the furniture) going to help people, but we are saving it from the landfill. It is pretty awesome," she added.

CWP is currently in need of donations, especially microwaves and vacuum cleaners. For donation information, visit http://www.communitywarehouseproject.com or http://www.facebook.com/CWPCC or call 484-473-4360.