A couch, dining table, or set of dishes can mean everything to a family trying to rebuild. That’s the spirit behind Furnish With Dignity, a new initiative that turns unclaimed household goods into a lifeline for local residents transitioning out of homelessness or hardship.
The program is a collaboration between the Suffolk County Public Administrator’s Office and Habitat for Humanity’s Long Island ReStore. Rather than disposing of usable items left behind in estates without wills or heirs, the office now donates these furnishings to families in need through Habitat’s established charitable network.
“This program is a win for everyone involved,” said Public Administrator Frank MacKay, who was appointed by Surrogate Court Judge Vincent J. Messina in 2023. “Estates save on removal costs, families gain much-needed furnishings, and we promote community sustainability. It’s government at its most human.”
The idea emerged from the everyday work of MacKay’s office, which manages the estates of deceased individuals who died without a will—known legally as dying “intestate.” While items like jewelry or cars are sold to settle debts and distribute assets, many household furnishings had traditionally been discarded due to a lack of resale value or storage capacity.
But MacKay and his team saw an opportunity to do more. “We began to see these items not as surplus, but as potential,” said Program Manager Kiernan Williams. “Beds, lamps, chairs—things that seem basic to some can make a world of difference to a family coming out of a shelter.”
The program, Furnish With Dignity, was coined by Joanne Sonderling, a former U.S. Postal Service employee who is now working with the Public Administrator’s Office. Noting that “FWD” is postal shorthand for “Forward,” Sonderling captured the program’s mission: helping people take the next step toward a stable home.
Co-Program Manager Daniella Karcic emphasized the emotional impact. “We’re not just giving people furniture—we’re giving them a sense of normalcy and pride. When a family can sit down together for dinner at a real table, it restores more than just routine. It restores dignity.”
The items are distributed at no cost to Suffolk County Department of Social Services clients and other partner agencies. With more than 2,000 people currently living in Suffolk shelters—over 800 of them children—the need is pressing.
In recent months, the initiative has inspired residents beyond estate contributions. “As we started talking about this, people with beautiful, high-end furnishings reached out wanting to donate,” said MacKay. “It really struck a chord in our community.”
The collaboration with Habitat for Humanity brings global experience to the local effort. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, a longtime supporter of Habitat’s work, has championed the partnership.
“This is what good government and strong partnerships look like,” Romaine said. “It’s nice to see Suffolk families move forward with dignity, compassion, and a little help from their neighbors.”
For more information about Furnish With Dignity or to inquire about donations, contact the Suffolk County Public Administrator’s Office at 631-852-1753.