Raleigh nonprofit provides furnishings to those in need

Trained real estate home stagers Jackie Craig and Beth Smoot started The Green Chair Project last April after noticing that many people have too much stuff in their homes. Reluctant to part with the items because they are still in good shape, the clutter just builds.

“The people that we’re serving, they’ve taken positive steps in their life to let go of old patterns that don’t work and take on new habits that help them,” Smoot said.

Dale Boone hit a rough patch in his life but has since completed a life-skills program and found a place to stay. He got furniture from The Green Chair.

“I don’t think financially I could have gone to a traditional furniture place and got all the stuff that I got,” Boone said.

The amount each person pays for furnishings is based on what he or she can afford.

“We think that’s important because it helps have the pride of ownership. It helps support their self-sufficiency,” Craig said.

The Green Chair held a community open house on Thursday at its new location, 1319 Capital Blvd. The organization is looking for volunteers and donations of furniture and household items.