By Carson Folio | Staff Writer

Light of Life Rescue Mission took another non-profit, Off the Floor, under its wings in November 2024 and now oversees its operations.

Off the Floor, a faith-based organization similar to Light of Life, will keep the same name and branding as the organization did before the partnership. The building on Allegheny Avenue that Off the Floor uses to hold all its donated furniture will still be the organization’s home.

In a press release from January, Matt Bauer, Off the Floor’s board chair, said the new partnership will give his organization the opportunity to expand its reach to more people in Pittsburgh than before.

“Together, we’ll build on our shared values and commitment to the community, creating greater opportunities for positive change and a brighter future,” Bauer said. “This partnership embodies the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of our mission.”

Light of Life has a donation center for items such as clothing on Ridge Avenue along with a shelter for unhoused individuals on Voeghtly Street.

According to Annie Cairns, Light of Life’s marketing and communications manager, this partnership was in the works for about a year and a half. Cairns said the partnership was brought about to allow Off the Floor to continue providing services and furniture to those in need, as well as the ability to remain a sustainable non-profit.

“It was a natural alignment of missions, values, and heart,” Cairns said. “From there, board members and leadership from both organizations met to build relationships, explore possibilities, and discern the best path forward. What began as discussions quickly grew into a shared vision for how they could serve more people — together.

According to Cairns, Off the Floor served 632 different households and 1,549 individuals with furniture donated for their use in 2024. Additionally, Cairns said 8,743 items of furniture were delivered to people in need and 220 tons of furniture were potentially driven away from landfills.

In comparison to 2023’s numbers, a press release from Light of Life said over 14,000 pieces of furniture were delivered to people in need while 20,000 items donated to Light of Life, such as clothes, were also given to individuals seeking assistance.

In the same press release, Rev. Jerrel Gilliam, Light of Life’s executive director, said that combining Off the Floor’s services with the Light of Life umbrella will only serve to strengthen both non-profits.

“By merging our resources and expanding our services, we are committed to empowering families to build stable, healthy lives,” Gilliam said. “Together, we can ensure that individuals transitioning out of crisis have the essential tools to rebuild with dignity, ultimately fostering a stronger and more resilient community.”

As for staffing levels, Cairns said the two organizations may need to expand their ranks in the future to continue serving Pittsburgh residents in need effectively with this period of growth. However, she said operations at Off the Floor will currently stay the same.

“We see tremendous potential in this new ministry,” Cairns said. “The demand for furniture assistance is significant, and we believe this partnership opens doors to expand our reach, enhance our services, and transform more lives. As we grow, we will strategically add staff to support this increased impact, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our community with the same care and excellence that both organizations are known for.”

Additionally, she said the goal of the partnership is not just to strengthen both Light of Life and Off the Floor, but also to ensure that the demand for assistance can be met for unhoused individuals as well as those who are at risk of losing everything.

In terms of how to help Northside residents, Cairns said many people in the area are living paycheck to paycheck and both organizations should be ready to support as many people as possible.

“Something as simple as a bed, a table, or a couch can mean the difference between stability and crisis,” Cairns said. “Together, we can catch people before they fall — helping them establish security, dignity and a fresh start.”