STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A simple act of kindness has turned a renovation project into a source of comfort for Staten Islanders starting new lives.
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the volunteer nonprofit organization Off the Streets Staten Island to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility.
“The partnership between Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and the Off the Streets organization is truly a ‘win-win,’” said Katherine Connors, chairwoman of the Carmel Richmond Board of Directors. “The gently used furniture being replaced during our renovation has found new life, contributing to sustainability.
“The beneficiaries will enjoy these high-quality pieces, enhancing the beauty, comfort and functionality of their new homes.”
When an individual transitions from homelessness into a room or apartment, they often move in with little more than the clothes on their back. Most individuals move into small rooms or apartments rather than full homes, where space is limited, and basic necessities are crucial.
Off the Streets Staten Island furnishes new living spaces with the necessary furniture and household items.
“It is both a pleasure and a privilege for Carmel Richmond to support vulnerable members of our community, helping to create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone can feel valued,” Connors added.
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the nonprofit organization Off the Streets to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility. (Courtesy Lisa Esposito)Courtesy Lisa Esposito
LED BY LISA ESPOSITO
The partnership began when an employee in Carmel Richmond’s Pastoral Care Department spotted an announcement about Off the Streets in a local church bulletin.
The organization, led by Lisa Esposito, collects basic home furnishings to help homeless Staten Islanders move from shelters into permanent apartments.
After connecting with Esposito, Carmel Richmond staff invited volunteers from Off the Streets to select pieces suitable for reuse.With help from the nursing home’s maintenance and housekeeping teams, volunteers filled three pickup trucks with furniture from the facility’s second-floor C Wing.
“They were very appreciative,” a Carmel Richmond representative said. “We’ll continue donating more furniture as our second- and third-floor renovations progress.”
Off the Streets later shared photos showing the donated pieces arranged in their new homes — a tangible sign of hope and stability for Staten Island families.
Staff at Carmel Richmond described seeing the furniture repurposed as “heartwarming.”
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the nonprofit organization Off the Streets to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility. (Courtesy Lisa Esposito)Courtesy Lisa Esposito
REGULAR COLLECTIONS
Off the Streets Staten Island hosts regular collection events to gather small, apartment-sized furnishings such as single dressers, kitchen tables, twin comforters, towels, toasters, lamps and basic utensils.
These items are distributed directly to those leaving shelters and starting over in permanent housing.
While Off the Streets welcomes essential household items, it cannot accept clothing, books, carpets, glass furnishings, decorations, used pillows, or mattresses.
For more information about donating or volunteering, call 347-987-0467.
For those interested in donating, please note below the items being accepted and items that are not being accepted.
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the nonprofit organization Off the Streets to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility. (Courtesy Lisa Esposito)Courtesy Lisa EspositoAcceptable Kitchen & Bath Items- Cookware Kit (pots/pans, cookie sheets, knives, spatulas, spoons, measuring cups, etc.)
– Tableware (plates, bowls, glasses, coffee cups, utensils) – Minimum Serve for 4
– Plastic Cups (for children)
– Kitchen Trash Cans
– Brooms and Dustpans
– Towels: Kitchen & Bath
– Shower Curtains (new only)Acceptable Living Room Items- Love Seat
– Lamps – Table & Floor (Priority for Floor Lamps)
– Upholstered ChairAcceptable Appliances- Microwaves
– Toasters (High Priority)
– Vacuums (High Priority)
– Coffee Makers
– Clocks
– Fans (box or pedestal)Acceptable Bedroom & Bedding Items- Collapsible Metal Bed Frames (Full, Twin, Toddler)
– Dressers (Small or Medium)
– Headboard & Footboards (Full, Twin)
– Sheets (Full, Twin, Twin XL)
– Comforters (Full, Full, Twin)Acceptable Tables- Nightstands
– End Tables
– Kitchen Tables
– Kitchen or Folding Chairs
– TV Stands
– Coffee Tables
– Tray Tables
– Microwave StandsAcceptable Miscellaneous Items- Bookshelf (small/medium – no glass)
– Tools (screwdrivers, pliers, hammers)Items Not AcceptedThe following items are no longer accepted:
– Clothing
– Any items in need of repair
– Any stained or dirty items
– Window Air Conditioning Units
– Washers or Dryers
– Office Desks
– Filing Cabinets
– Bar Stools
– Couches (Larger than Love Seats)
– Rocking Chairs
– Anything with Glass (Mirrors)
– Cleaning Chemicals
– Bedding (King Size)
– Bed frame “cabinetry” units
– Hospital Lift Chairs or Beds
– Hospital/Medical Equipment
– Display/“Curio” Cabinets
– Entertainment Centers
– Sleeper Sofas
– Baby/Child Furniture or Toys
– Decorations
– Curtains
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the nonprofit organization Off the Streets to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility. (Courtesy Lisa Esposito)Courtesy Lisa Esposito
As part of ongoing renovations, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home has partnered with the nonprofit organization Off the Streets to repurpose gently used furniture from the facility. (Courtesy Lisa Esposito)Courtesy Lisa Esposito
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.