The roots of the Cleveland Furniture Bank are in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has served the poor in this community for decades. For many years, St. Vincent de Paul operated a small-scale furniture program in Cleveland. When the needs of the community grew beyond the scope of St. Vincent de Paul's capabilities to supply furniture to those in need, the Cleveland Furniture Bank was created.

In 2008, The St. Vincent de Paul Society transferred its Thrift Store to the Cleveland Furniture Bank. The Thrift Store provides the Cleveland Furniture Bank with nearly 75% of the funding necessary for operation.