About Us

The story of The Furniture Project (TFP) began in 2013 when Drew Gerken and his colleagues from the Omaha Fire Department responded to a call at a family's home without any furniture. When the firefighters asked where they slept, the children showed them their suitcases and explained how they used their clothes to sleep on the floor and cover themselves like a blanket.

The firefighters were deeply touched by the family's situation and they knew they needed to take action. They quickly rallied the community via social media and, in just one day, were able to furnish the family's small apartment with high-quality furniture and household items. This experience inspired Drew to continue his work and The Furniture Project was born.

Eleven years later, we continue to provide free, high-quality furniture and household items to families who need them. We are intentionally low-barrier in order to support anyone who needs furniture. Our clients include individuals and families from all intersections including:

  • Veterans

  • Immigrants

  • Elderly

  • Children

  • Survivors of Domestic Violence

  • Single Parents

  • Formerly Homeless

  • Veterans

  • Immigrants

  • Elderly

  • Children

  • Survivors of
    Domestic Violence

TFP has grown significantly and its inventory has moved to one centrally-located warehouse. Our team carefully evaluates every item that is donated and branded box trucks are used to deliver selected quality furniture to families that need them to make their homes comfortable. In 2023 alone, TFP furnished 1,150 homes and served more than 4,200 people.

We are honored to be a part of such a compassionate community that comes together to support those in need. At TFP, we believe that everyone deserves a comfortable and safe place to call home and we are committed to making that a reality for as many of our neighbors as possible.

  • Single Parents

  • Formerly Homeless

What We Do

For many people in our community, the items TFP provides would be unattainable if purchased new at a store. Our furniture and housewares inventory is stocked through generous donations by individuals, worship groups and other organizations throughout the Omaha metro area.

We are connected with more than 170 partners who refer individuals and families to us. Our partners assess each person’s unique situation and submit requests based on the needs which can include:

  • Beds and bedding

  • Couches and chairs

  • Dressers

  • Kitchen tables and chairs

  • Housewares and small appliances

Our goal is to furnish homes as quickly and easily as we can. Working collaboratively with our partners and the person receiving the furniture, our team coordinates delivery of their items as soon possible. If the furniture is needed sooner than we can schedule, our partners or their clients have the option of picking up their items from our warehouse directly.

Staff

Our staff and board understand that each individual's circumstances are unique and it is our collective responsibility to support and care for one another.

  • Drew Gerken

    Founder
    He/Him/His
    English

  • Matt Hoppe

    Executive Director
    He/Him/His
    English

  • Missy Bauer

    Director of Operations
    She/Her/Hers
    missy@thefurnitureproject.org
    English

  • Tinca Joyner

    Community Relations Coordinator
    She/Her/Hers
    tinca@thefurnitureproject.org
    English/French/German

  • Eh Htoo Gay

    Warehouse Manager
    He/Him/His
    ehhtoo@thefurnitureproject.org
    Karen/English

  • Htee Ku

    Delivery / Warehouse Team
    He/Him/His
    Karen/English

  • Richard Peña Peralta

    Delivery / Warehouse Team
    He/Him/His
    Spanish/English

  • Eh Kalu Htoo

    Delivery / Warehouse Team
    He/Him/His
    Karen/English

  • Logan Field

    Delivery / Warehouse Team
    He/Him/His
    English

  • Htoo Shee

    Delivery / Warehouse Team
    He/Him/His
    Karen/English

Board

  • Drew Gerken

    President
    The Furniture Project Founder
    & Omaha Fire Department

  • Jay Koehn

    Vice President
    McGrath North

  • Lacey Studnicka

    Secretary
    Habitat for Humanity

  • Jason McGill

    Treasurer
    Creighton University

  • Kaela Volkmer

    Board Member
    Creighton University