Happy New Year 2025!

Please read and review new information for updated client request forms, operations, and procedures.

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Thank you for contacting theExchange on behalf of your client. theExchange values the partnership with advocate agencies, which allows us to serve those in need together. We realize this can be an overwhelming experience for your clients, so to help the process go as smoothly as possible, please familiarize yourself with our operations and procedures.

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theExchange serves the greater La Crosse area by accepting donations of gently used furniture and household goods and rehoming them to our community members in need. We rely on volunteers to make the program run smoothly. 

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Are the items used? Most of the items clients receive will be gently used. We work hard to ensure that the items are of good quality, with minimal flaws and no stains, rips, odors, or pet hair. 

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Does theExchange replace or upgrade existing items in my client’s home? We generally do not replace furniture already in a home unless there is a specific need, the current furniture has become unusable, and it would be a hardship to obtain. Many households/clients we serve have no beds or furniture as they start over with nothing. 

 

Can my client come more than once? In general, our policy is to complete all needs in one visit. It is theExchange’s mission to get clients started with the basics. We understand that each client's situation is different, and unexpected situations happen. If you think there is a need for an additional request, please email us to discuss individual situations.

 

Why do I need to complete a home visit before submitting a request? We ask that you do a home visit to distinguish your client’s most essential needs from their wants in their home. Please take note of room sizes, small doorways, halls, or stairways to ensure the items will get through doorways and not overcrowd their rooms. 

 

Do I need to attend the appointment with my client? Yes. We ask you to attend and participate in your client’s appointment to support your clients and our volunteers with the selection guidelines, timely decision-making, an understanding of what will fit in their new home, and keeping the appointment on track. 

 

What if my client can not attend the appointment? No problem. You can come to select items if your client is unable to attend. Make sure you know their needs and spacial limitations.

 

Do I need to attend the furniture delivery at my client’s home? We do not require you to be there for furniture delivery. However, we may ask you to attend; this will be determined case-by-case.
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What if you don’t have the item or style my client wants? The items available at theExchange are provided by community donations. Occasionally, we may not have an item your client wants.  Clients will receive most of the necessary items for a comfortable and functioning home at their appointment. We are unable to accommodate ‘rain checks’ for unavailable items. 

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How much does it cost to visit theExchange? We do not charge for this service.

 

Does theExchange offer delivery? We ask that you assist your client in making every effort to find transportation for the selected furnishings. If no option is available, we have volunteers who can assist in delivery.

 

We have a group of volunteers who donate their time, vehicles, and the cost of gas to offer delivery to those without other options for transporting furniture items. This service is not guaranteed. It is based on the number of volunteers and vehicles available. 

 

Delivery Information

 

We offer delivery of large furniture items. (i.e., Dressers, beds, couches)

 

We offer delivery within the cities of La Crosse, Onalaska, and La Crescent. Some restrictions may apply (e.g., our trailers can’t reach the bluffs). Your client’s address must be provided on the request form. If this is a safe-at-home situation, please follow up with an email accordingly and note this on the form. 

 

If delivery is needed, weight, size, and home accessibility will be taken into consideration. 

 

We do not deliver small items that fit in a vehicle (e.g., kitchen items, linens, cleaning supplies, vacuums, TVs, etc.). You and your client must take these items with you at the time of the appointment. We ask that you and your client load these items. If you cannot, please arrange to bring someone to assist. Our volunteers are directed not to load due to safety concerns.

 

If delivery is required, we will set this up at the appointment. We deliver on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Our delivery team does not take or move existing furniture. We do not assemble or set up furniture in client homes. Please inform your clients and make arrangements as needed.

 

Delivery is only offered one time. If your client is not home for the scheduled delivery, everything will be returned to theExchange. We will work with them to pick up items that week but do not offer a second delivery. 

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My client is outside the delivery area. Can they still utilize theExchange’s services? Yes. You will need to arrange means of transportation and muscle at the time of the appointment. This is very important. Our volunteers DO NOT load or move furniture. 

 

How do I request items or an appointment for my client? To submit a request for your client, go to our website and click on the 'advocate login' under the 'advocate tab.' Please email us to introduce yourself and your organization if you have a client to refer.

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DO NOT share the password. If your co-worker needs the password to make a request, have them email us directly.

 

Once you submit the form, you will receive verification and a copy in your inbox. You must type your email correctly on the form. 

 

Appointment Procedures

1. Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes,  so being on time is essential.

2. Please come to the back warehouse door (by the alley and trailer parking) and ring the doorbell. 

3. Have your vehicle emptied so you can pick up the small items on the day of your appointment.

4. If you bring small children, they must have supervision. You will be in the warehouse, and it is a safety hazard. Also, the appointments are 25 minutes, and we want your clients to maximize their time and experience.

 

Selection Guidelines

Guidelines are subject to change depending on the items and supplies available. The number of people in the household will determine the furniture size and quantity provided. 

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Misc Furniture: (side/end/coffee table, bookshelf, TV stand, etc):

• 1 person household: 2 pieces

• 2 or 3 person household: 3-4 pieces

• 4+ person household: 4-5 pieces

 

Kitchen Table and Chairs: 1 table per household with a chair for each individual

 

Upholstered Furniture:

• 1 person Household: Choice of loveseat or 2 living room chairs

• 2-3 person Household: Choice of couch or loveseat with 1 chair

• 4 person Household+: Couch and 1 chair

• Recliners: Reserved for medical needs. 

• Futons: Reserved for use as a bed and sofa (Studio or efficiency)

 

Dressers: 1 per household

Towel Set: 1 per person

Pillows: 1 per person

Lamps: 1-2 per household (limit 1 floor lamp)

A/C Units: 1 per household

Kitchen Appliances: 2 per household

• Please note Electric Skillets and Toaster Ovens are reserved for Clients without an oven or range.