Mercy Medical Center & Central Furniture Rescue partner to repurpose Hallmar furnishings
Mercy Medical Center and Central Furniture Rescue, in partnership with KJ Haul Away, will recover reusable furniture and household items from Mercy’s former Hallmar residential care facility to support individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and housing instability in eastern Iowa.
Rather than sending usable items to the landfill, the items will be removed from the former Hallmar facility on the Mercy main campus in phases, beginning at 9 a.m. on June 4, 2026. The furniture will be transported to Central Furniture Rescue and added to its inventory for distribution in the coming months.
“This partnership shows how sustainability and community impact can work hand in hand,” said Susan Johnston, founder of Central Furniture Rescue. “Furnishings that no longer serve the facility can make a meaningful difference for families rebuilding their lives.”
“Hallmar relocated to a new facility in 2023 and, as a result, many of the furnishings from the former location were no longer needed,” said Melissa Dean, director of mission outreach and community benefit at Mercy. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Central Furniture Rescue and KJ Haul Away to ensure these items can be repurposed. It’s rewarding to know that furnishings that once served our residents can now help individuals and families throughout our community.”
KJ Haul Away will support removal and transportation throughout the phased project.
Mercy representatives plan to tour the Central Furniture Rescue warehouse to see how donated items are prepared for local families.
Since 2019, Central Furniture Rescue has furnished homes for thousands of Eastern Iowa residents while diverting more than 1,100 tons of reusable household items from landfills.
For more information about Central Furniture Rescue, volunteer opportunities, or donation needs, visit www.centralfurniturerescue.org or email Susan Johnston at susan@centralfurniturerescue.org.