IKEA US gives $25,000 in furnishings to help LGBTQ+ young people create new homes

IKEA US has provided more than $25,000 worth of home furnishings to help LGBTQ+ young people experiencing housing insecurity settle into new homes.

IKEA Fishers in Indiana and IKEA US selected IYG, formerly Indiana Youth Group, for the donation as the organisation expands its long-term housing programme for LGBTQ+ young people and young adults.

IKEA first announced the $25,000 commitment in June as part of its Pride Month activity, but the project has since moved from pledge to practical support. IYG confirmed in September that the furnishings are supporting its expanding housing programme, while IKEA employees have also volunteered at the organisation.

The furnishings will help young people moving through IYG’s housing programme turn their new apartments into comfortable homes while they work towards greater stability and independence.

IYG has supported LGBTQ+ young people since 1987 and now works with people aged 12 to 24 across Indiana. Its free services include housing support, mental health services, basic needs assistance, community programmes and advocacy.

The IKEA support has also extended beyond the furnishings. Employees from IKEA Fishers volunteered at IYG in August, helping to refresh its community and music rooms. The store has worked with the organisation for four years through previous donations and volunteering.

The contribution was first announced as part of IKEA US’s wider Pride Month investment in LGBTQ+ communities earlier this summer.

IKEA also announced $35,000 for California’s Pacific Center for Human Growth to expand access to LGBTQ+-affirming mental health care and another $35,000 for Philadelphia’s Asylum Pride House to support six months of therapy services.

For IYG, however, the Indiana project has a particularly practical impact. Young people already experiencing housing insecurity can establish their new accommodation with fewer of the additional pressures involved in creating a home.

The latest update shows how a Pride Month commitment made earlier in the summer is now translating into practical support, with furnishings and volunteer time being delivered to an organisation working directly with LGBTQ+ young people.