‘Furnishing homes with love:’ Blessing board helps local families

There is a new furniture showroom in McKeesport, but it isn’t a store meant for the average shopper.
In fact, it isn’t a place where you can spend money at all.
An entire storefront and warehouse are neatly filled with free furniture for anyone trying to make a fresh start in life.
The Blessing Board is a nonprofit organization with locations in McKeesport and Oakmont that exists to provide furniture and household goods to those who need them, at no cost.
For the past eight years, the Christian-based organization has served veterans, fire victims, those who were previously homeless, victims of domestic abuse and violent crime and families and individuals who are struggling financially.
In addition to providing furniture and basic necessities, the organization provides beneficiaries with spiritual and emotional support services and a community center.
On Wednesday, several Blessing Board volunteers and board directors, area church leaders and elected officials came together at the McKeesport location on Market Street, which was just remodeled thanks to a $65,000 grant from the Jefferson Regional Foundation.
Guests heard about the mission of the nonprofit and learned how the McKeesport space has been transformed.
Rich Garland, a board member from the Blessing Board McKeesport, explained that prior to the start of this year, beneficiaries of the nonprofit didn’t have a chance to see what furniture was available to them when they sought assistance because the furniture was piled into a warehouse.
Now, because of the showroom, and a community space in the front of the building, guests who have an appointment can sit down, say a prayer and have a conversation with a volunteer about what their needs are.

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