What Items Do Refugees Need When They Arrive? A Donation Checklist
When a refugee family arrives in Dallas, their apartment is almost always completely empty. The resettlement agency secures the housing, but furnishing it falls to community organizations and generous donors.
If you’re wondering what to donate, here’s a practical checklist of the items refugee families need most.
Priority 1: Furniture (Most Critical)
Furniture is the single most impactful donation. Without it, families sleep on floors, eat on the ground, and have nowhere to sit.
Bedroom
- Bed frames (twin, full, or queen)
- Mattresses (new — most organizations cannot accept used mattresses)
- Pillows (new), sheet sets, blankets and comforters
Living Room
- Sofa or loveseat (clean, smoke-free)
- Coffee table or end table
- Floor or table lamps
Dining Area
- Dining table and chairs (matching set preferred)
Storage
- Dressers, nightstands, bookshelves
At Be Deliberate, we focus specifically on furniture. We collect gently used items and deliver complete apartment setups to refugee families.
Donate furniture — free pickup available →
Priority 2: Kitchen Essentials
- Pots and pans (at least a medium and large pot, one skillet)
- Plates, bowls, and cups (set of 4-6)
- Forks, knives, and spoons (set of 4-6)
- Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, ladle)
- Cutting board and kitchen knife
- Can opener and dish towels
Important: Kitchen items are most useful in complete sets.
Priority 3: Bedding and Linens
- Sheet sets (fitted and flat)
- Pillow cases
- Bath towels (2 per person)
- Washcloths
- Shower curtain and rings
Priority 4: Cleaning Supplies
- Broom and dustpan, mop or Swiffer
- All-purpose cleaner, dish soap
- Laundry detergent, trash bags, sponges
Priority 5: Personal Hygiene Items
- Bar soap or body wash, shampoo
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant, feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and wipes (for families with infants)
Priority 6: School Supplies
- Backpacks, notebooks and folders
- Pencils, pens, erasers
- Crayons and colored pencils
- Scissors (child-safe)
Items That Are NOT Typically Accepted
- Used mattresses — hygiene and bed bug concerns
- Heavily worn or damaged clothing
- Broken electronics or appliances
- Expired food or opened personal care products
How to Donate
Furniture Donations
Be Deliberate offers free furniture pickup across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Household Items and Supply Drives
For non-furniture items, check with local resettlement agencies about current needs. You can also organize a donation drive at your church, school, or workplace.
Contact us about a donation drive →
Financial Donations
Cash donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed.
Why Your Donation Matters
Every item on this list represents something most of us take for granted. For a refugee family arriving in Dallas with nothing, these items are the difference between an empty room and a home. Your donation doesn’t just provide things — it provides dignity.