Chicago Furniture Bank (CFB) centers itself in a simple yet powerful belief: that furniture is more than just objects—it’s stability, and a crucial building block of a home. Since 2018, the organization has worked to provide gently used furniture to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. “Not only are we providing furniture to folks experiencing poverty and moving out of homelessness,” says Chief Development Officer Elle Ullum, “but we’re also trying to have an impact on the environment and keep furniture out of landfills.” With over 5,000 families served annually and goals to double that impact, CFB is creating lasting change—one bed, chair, and table at a time.
Ullum’s leadership is shaped by her own lived experience. A nonprofit professional for over two decades, she found herself unemployed during the pandemic, and a single parent to a two-year-old. “I got food stamps, I got state healthcare… and realized it was really hard to find those resources,” she reflects. That experience fueled her passion for connecting people with the support they need and brought her to the furniture bank. “It really was this personal impact that got me to notice what really needed to be done,” she says. Now, she leads fundraising, marketing, and volunteer engagement with the clarity and compassion of someone who knows firsthand what it means to start over.
A client browses the CFB furniture warehouse
That spirit of service is echoed by Michael Tracy, a former Housing Action Corps AmeriCorps VISTA member who was hired as the Development and Marketing Coordinator after his service year at CFB. Tracy’s journey—from early service work in the PeaceCorps to serving as a VISTA member to his current role—has been driven by a deep commitment to community. “It’s inspiring to me… to know that whether you’re in and around the city, if you’re a part of Chicagoland, your work matters here,” he says. His work has been instrumental in expanding volunteer outreach, bringing more hands and hearts to a mission that continues to grow.
Tracy emphasized how his VISTA year prepared him to step into a full time role. “It prepared me because I’m doing similar work. I’m working with a lot of the same people in the same space,” he explained. It also helped him learn how to pivot quickly while taking on a wide range of tasks in different areas depending on current needs.”
When asked about his decision to stay on at CFB, Tracy shares an excitement about the future of CFB. “It’s a young organization. They just celebrated their seventh year in July, and they’ve made massive strides in those seven years. They’ve served thousands of homes and grown tremendously, but I still think there’s untapped potential.”
One of CFB’s new events, the Great Chicago Bed Race, is taking place this Sunday, September 28th, when 10 teams will race twin XL mattresses on wheels down Walnut Street. “It should be a lot of fun,” Tracy says. ”We’re going to do a bunch of heats and we’ll have a winner.” Proceeds from team registrations go towards furnishing homes. The event will be hosted at Midwest Coast Brewing and is free for spectators.
When explaining the unique importance of their organization, both Ullum and Tracy emphasize what’s often overlooked: furniture poverty. “People don’t think about the need for furniture,” Ullum explains. “We think about clothing, housing, and food—but if you have nowhere to sleep or sit or eat, that impacts your daily life, too.” Tracy adds, “Having a home is one thing, but having a furnished home—a place you feel comfortable—is just as important.” For the families served by the Chicago Furniture Bank, furnishing a space isn’t just about comfort; it’s about anchoring themselves in a new chapter of hope.