Emelda, Director of Furniture Reuse CIC, is on a mission to create positive change in Newham. Through her community-driven initiative, she helps residents furnish their homes affordably, teaches valuable repair skills, combats waste and delivers a weekly surplus food project to combat food poverty.
Originally from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Emelda grew up in a household where reuse and repair were essential. Her father, a civil engineer, and her mother, a day care centre owner, instilled in her the value of fixing and repurposing items. “That way of living never left me” Emelda says, though she now applies these principles on a much larger scale in Newham.
After studying textiles and design, Emelda’s passion for sustainability and waste reduction led her to found Furniture Reuse in May 2023. Without any funding, she built the organisation from the ground up, focusing on providing affordable, second-hand furniture to those in need. Today, her work has had a profound impact on Newham’s residents, many of whom are struggling with the rising cost of living.
“Our customers range from local families on benefits, to asylum seekers who’ve been awarded a new start, to students moving into the area,” Emelda explains. To support those most in need, Furniture Reuse offers a 20% discount to residents on benefits, making it easier for them to furnish their homes without financial strain.
But Emelda’s efforts go beyond just providing affordable furniture. She has established Repair & Reuse Days to empower residents with new skills, teaching them how to fix everyday items that might otherwise end up in landfill. These events have been instrumental in saving residents money, while promoting sustainability. “One of our most popular workshops showed people how to reupholster dining chairs and maintain their washing machines in eco-friendly ways” Emelda says.
In addition to helping residents furnish their homes and gain new skills, Emelda has partnered with City Harvest London to launch a weekly surplus food project, supporting local households struggling with food poverty. “This has been a lifeline for so many people,” she shares, noting how the collaboration has helped ease the burden on those most affected by the current economic climate.
One of Emelda’s most touching stories involves a woman who came to Furniture Reuse severely depressed after losing family members during the pandemic. After volunteering at the food bank, the woman found new purpose and confidence. “Seeing how much responsibility empowered her was incredible” Emelda recalls. “She eventually found a job, and though she no longer volunteers with us, she still comes in to update us on her progress.”
Newham Council has been a key partner in supporting Emelda’s work. In the summer, the Green Economy Lead helped secure a pop-up space in Upton Park, allowing Furniture Reuse to reach even more residents. Emelda was also invited by the Newham Waste Prevention and Recycling Team to take part in an upcoming Repair Café at the Jack Cornwell Centre, where she will continue her mission to teach repair skills and reduce waste across the borough.
Of course, challenges remain. Emelda notes that many people still don’t know about Furniture Reuse’s showroom, which is tucked away in a less visible part of the borough. And like many non-profit organisations, funding is a constant concern. “We rely on our amazing volunteers, but I wish we had the resources to pay them” she says.
Despite these hurdles, Emelda remains optimistic. Her long-term vision includes monthly workshops, summer holiday projects, and training programs that provide qualifications in upcycling, repair, and upholstery. “I want to build a space where people connect, learn, and support one another—especially in a big city where it’s easy to feel isolated,” she shares.
Her advice to anyone thinking of starting a nonprofit? “Just start. Don’t let fear stop you. You never know how many lives you might change.”
Through her work with Newham Council, local residents, and partners like City Harvest, Emelda is transforming homes, lives, and communities – one piece of furniture at a time.
