Catholic Charities of Louisville collecting furniture to keep up with higher influx of refugees

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky has one of the highest rates of refugee arrivals in the country. Hundreds of people come to Louisville from other countries every year to get away from war, persecution or natural disaster.

Refugees have a lot to worry about once they get to America. They often face challenges including language barriers, housing insecurity, and transportation issues.

Catholic Charities of Louisville wants to make sure furniture isn't a hurdle for refugees restarting their lives.

Catholic Charities of Louisville Furnature — Catholic Charities of Louisville collects furniture for refugees year round.
Catholic Charities of Louisville

"When we pick someone up from the airport, when they arrive from Africa to the U.S. for their first night here, we want to have a fully furnished welcoming home ready for them," Alison Voit, Catholic Charities of Louisville's Director of Migration and Refugee Services, said. "We want to proudly say to them, 'here are you keys. This is your home. Here's a fresh start.'"

To keep up with the demand, the organization collects the following items year round:

End Tables
Couches
Kitchen tables and chairs
Dressers
Coffee tables
Washers
Dryers

"The highest needed items are frequently dining tables, coffee tables, and end tables," Voit said.

The organization expects to help roughly 700 refugees and migrants before October 1, 2024. Voit said that's more than usual because of President Biden's refugee admissions target of 125,000 refugees in 2024.

"That means that we are welcoming many more refugees than we have in years now, as a nation," Voit said. "Demand is higher here in Louisville."

While it can be difficult or even overwhelming to hear about war and other tragedies happening around the world, Voit said donating can make a difference.

"In the last year, we did hundreds of thousands worth of donations from the community, in the form of furniture as well as hygiene products and toiletries," Voit said.

A volunteer with Catholic Charities prepares an apartment for refugees expected to arrive in Louisville.

She said it's a gesture to help people feel more at home.

"The impact that we're making spans the globe," Voit said.

Catholic Charities of Louisville picks up furniture donations in Jefferson County and Southern Indiana. If you would like to schedule a pick up, you can email donations@archlou.org.

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