About Us

Transforming houses into homes since 2003

Our History

Origins and Early Partnerships

Furnishing Hope was established in 2003 by Beth Phillips, an interior designer who saw an opportunity to connect quality furnishings from her clients' remodels with families in need. What began as a practical way to repurpose donated home goods quickly evolved into a mission-driven organization, dedicated to transforming empty spaces into environments of dignity and comfort. Early collaborations with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity enabled Furnishing Hope to furnish homes for families seeking stability.

Expansion and Refined Focus

Over time, Furnishing Hope's mission broadened and became more focused. In 2010, Beth made a pivotal decision to concentrate efforts on supporting wounded military heroes and families in crisis. Recognizing the challenges of transitioning to independent living—especially when facing injury, trauma, or homelessness—Furnishing Hope developed a model grounded in partnerships. Families are referred through trusted nonprofits and military support agencies, and each home installation is personalized to the client's preferences.

Growth and Community Impact

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and community partners, Furnishing Hope has grown into a robust, hands-on organization. The team delivers beds, furnishes entire homes, and supplies essential items to help families settle comfortably. Over the years, Furnishing Hope has furnished hundreds of homes for wounded heroes and families in transition and provided thousands of beds for children in need.

Collaborations and Support

Sponsors and partners have played a vital role in making Furnishing Hope's work possible. Support has come in many forms, including in-kind donations, grants, volunteers, and mission-aligned collaborations. Notable partnerships include those with Living Spaces and Houzz, as well as community donors who have provided critical resources, such as installation and furniture delivery support. These collective efforts enable home installations that help families start anew, allowing them to rest in their own beds, share meals at their own tables, and rebuild their lives with renewed hope.

Board of Directors

Beth Phillips

Founder and Executive Director

Providing professional interior design services for residential and commercial clients for over 32 years, Beth Phillips has worked with the finest design and architectural firms in Southern California, and she has served as a board member on the Advisory Committee for Saddleback College's Interior Design Program and was a past director of the Orange County Chapter of the International Society of Interior Designers (ISID). Beth has also earned her California General Building Contractor's License from the Contractor's State License Board. In 2004, Beth founded Furnishing Hope, whose mission it is to aid people in crisis by providing them a clean, safe living environment.

John Virtue

John Virtue is a commercial real estate broker who specializes in Office space in the Orange County marketplace. John began working in commercial real estate in 1985 as an office broker for CB Commercial. In 1993 John left CB Commercial to head the Orange County Financial Services Division for Cushman & Wakefield. In 2000, John founded virtueco, Inc., which specializes in tenant representation of office users. John is married to his wife Rebecca and is the father of Max and Shay.

Linda Tuggle

Linda Sellers Tuggle, State of California Licensed Family Home Childcare provider, owned and operated a successful Irvine based childcare business for 19 years. Linda was able to offer a loving, learning environment to young children within her community, many of whom she has watched grow into adulthood.

Now retired, Linda enjoys family, friends and entertaining in her Yorba Linda home. When her husband isn't on the golf course, you can find them working out together at their local boot camp!

Looking for a chance to give back to the community, she was happy to have found a volunteer opportunity in Furnishing Hope; combining her love of design and helping others.

Renee Pepys Lowe

Renee Pepys Lowe, founder of CoCaLo, Inc., an industry leading infant bedding and accessory company, has over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience starting and building market recognized companies. Today, Renee serves as a strategic advisor to companies and early stage entrepreneurs on creative and brand management, marketing and team building.

Renee started her company, CoCaLo, in 1998 and applied her extensive marketing talents and leadership to build her infant bedding and décor brand. She received numerous awards for outstanding products and customer relationships in the process. Renee successfully led her Company to the forefront of the infant bedding industry. Renee sold CoCaLo to Kid Brands (NYSE) in 2008. In 2012, she was asked to re-join the company. During the next two years, Renee led the soft goods division of Kid Brands Company to fashion and brand leadership.

Renee began her career after graduating from the Denver University, earning a bachelor's degree in marketing and retail. She completed the Robinson's-May Executive Training Program and was a member of their flagship retail store team. Renee joined NoJo, a globally distributed infant products company founded by her mother, Shirley Pepys, herself an industry entrepreneur. Renee is an active philanthropist and supporter of causes that make a positive influence in the lives of children. She is a board member of Orangewood Children's Foundation in Orange County, California and one of the founders of the Advanced Studies Scholarship Fund, a program for former foster youth who want to pursue advanced studies. She also serves on the Board of Furnishing Hope which provides new furnishings for wounded warriors. She is a board member of the Committee of 200, an invitation-only organization of the world's most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

Renee is married and the proud mother of two daughters, Courtenay and Catherine, and resides with her family in Corona del Mar, California.

Charles E. Bradley

Since the formation in 1991 Charles E. Bradley, Jr. has been President and a director of Consumer Portfolio Services, an independent specialty finance company that provides indirect automobile financing to individuals with past credit problems, low incomes or limited credit histories. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in July 2001. In January 1992, Mr. Bradley was appointed Chief Executive Officer. From April 1989 to November 1990, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Barnard and Company, a private investment firm. From September 1987 to March 1989, Mr. Bradley, Jr. was an associate of The Harding Group, a private investment banking firm. He joined the Board of Directors at Furnishing Hope in 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization?

How does Furnishing Hope receive funding?

Who qualifies to receive furniture from Furnishing Hope?

Individuals and families who are overcoming homelessness and receiving support through CalAIM with one of our nonprofit partner agencies may qualify to receive furniture and essential home goods from Furnishing Hope. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Jesse@FurnishingHope.org for more information.

We also support wounded military heroes and veterans who are working with partner organizations in Southern California. If this applies to you, please contact Beth@FurnishingHope.org to request an application.

How do I request assistance from Furnishing Hope?

What areas does Furnishing Hope serve?

What types of furniture and household items do you provide?

Furnishing Hope works with each client individually to assess their household needs and create a comfortable, functional living space. A typical home setup may include a sofa, a recliner, coffee and end tables, a TV console, dining table and chairs, and a bedroom set with a mattress, foundation, and frame. Families with children may also receive bedroom furniture for kids or nursery items for a baby.

We also provide kitchen, bed, bath, and cleaning essentials. Kitchen setups include the items needed to prepare, cook, serve, and enjoy meals. Our bed and bath packages include everything needed for a comfortable night’s sleep and daily hygiene routines, and each home receives a cleaning kit with essential supplies to help maintain a healthy living space.

Where is Furnishing Hope located?

What types of furniture and household item donations do you accept?

At this time, Furnishing Hope is not accepting used furniture donations. Thanks to the generous support of furniture manufacturers and designers in our community, we can provide our recipients with new furniture and household items.

If you are a designer, manufacturer, or retailer who would like to contribute to our mission, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Robyn@FurnishingHope.org to learn more about partnership and donation opportunities.