Our Mission at
Marvin's Home
Marvin’s Home provides comfortable and intentional home furnishings for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system or who are facing homelessness. We do this by using donated furniture and home decor to turn empty apartments into comfortable and welcoming homes.
Marvin’s Home Impact
Marvin’s Home is more than just a furniture provider; we are a lifeline for youth facing life after foster care. Most of these young people have never owned anything, let alone furniture. The apartments that they live in are frequently bare, with little more than a mattress on the floor.
We partner with Valley Youth House, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable youth and their families. They refer clients who are moving into their own apartments after foster care or homelessness, often both. We work directly with these young people to transform their empty living spaces into homes.
The young men and women we serve are age 18 to 23 and face challenging odds. They are more likely to experience mental and behavioral health issues as well as hardships such as joblessness, early parenthood, and substance use. They are also at much greater risk of becoming homeless; estimates suggest that 50% of the homeless population in the U.S. has spent time in foster care. Marvin’s Home is committed to making sure that every youth we encounter has not only a bed to sleep in but a home that provides comfort.
Who is Marvin?
Adopting a dog and owning a home were lifelong dreams for our founder, Mel McDaniel. Marvin’s Home is named for Mel’s beloved canine companion, Marvin. Marvin was found a few blocks from Mel’s apartment in West Philly and now calls Harleysville home.
Supporting Our Cause
Marvin’s Home relies on the generosity of our community and supporters to continue making a meaningful impact. Donations can be made in the form of household goods, items purchased from our wishlists, or cash.
Our Founder & Inspiration
Mel McDaniel, Founder and Design Director of Marvin’s Home, knows firsthand the challenges of chronic housing instability. Raised by parents in a now-defunct religious order that constantly uprooted and relocated its members, she understands the profound longing for a stable and secure home. Growing up, she was voiceless, powerless, and yearned for a “real home.”
Mel’s background in social work and interior design led her to the creation of Marvin’s Home. Her dedication and passion for our mission have made Marvin’s Home a beacon of hope for young adults facing the challenging transition from foster care into independent living.
"I know what it means to grow up deprived of a stable home, without the sense of security, safety, and belonging that home should provide. My background in social work, along with interior design, gave me the idea to form Marvin’s Home."
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Marvin’s Home, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home. As a charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our community and supporters to continue the important work of making homes and changing lives. Donations can be made in the form of household goods, items purchased from our wishlists, or cash. With your help, we can offer a sense of belonging, safety, and comfort to the vulnerable young people we serve.