Charity reopens 14 months after eviction from city base
A CHARITY which was turfed out of its base by an arm’s-length council firm has reopened after a 14-month break.
The Ruchill Furniture Project was running from a site in Maryhill for four years until they were asked to leave by City Property in May last year.
The company, which manages Glasgow City Council’s property portfolio, said the charity had “illegally occupied” the site on Chapel Street.
Prior to the eviction, the organisation had been running for 25 years and helps to provide people with much-needed household items.
Run entirely by volunteers, they collect and distribute unwanted furniture from around the city.
On most occasions a small charge is made and the aim is to help people who simply cannot afford new furniture and to help furnish their homes.
Following intervention from Maryhill Housing Association, the charity has now got back on its feet at a new site at Glenavon Road in Summerston.
The housing association used money from its community fund to help Ruchill Furniture pay the rent at the new location, allowing it to go back into business serving the community.
Chairwoman Eleanor Brown is now looking forward to getting back to helping the community, providing vital pieces of furniture and clothing to those in need.
No ‘proof of poverty’, such as benefit documents, are asked for by volunteers and the shop is open to the public.
Having now been set up as an official charity, Eleanor will now be able to apply for grant funding that she was unable to before which left the organisation struggling.
Eleanor said: “The need for help is very great and I’m sure people have missed us. We are keen that anyone needing our help now knows where we are and comes along.
“We are focusing now on getting back out on the road again, getting our name and phone number out there and getting people back in to the shop.
“Where we are now is a good area as it’s beside lots of homes and shops.
“It has been a long haul. All the volunteers have come back which is a great relief, and it was hard for them not knowing if we were coming back or not.
“We are all really grateful to Maryhill Housing, as well as all the councillors and MSPs who have supported us and helped us get back up and running.”
A spokesman for Maryhill Housing said: “This is great news for the community. Ruchill Furniture does an amazing j ob thanks to its volunteers and the inspiring work they do. We are pleased to have been able to help.”
The project is now looking for quality furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac items which are in a good condition.
Anyone who has items which they would like to donate to the charity can either drop them off at the Glenavon Road store, or call 0141 9465151 to organise a collection.