The Safe Start Storehouse: Accepting furniture and household items to help make a house a home.
Kim had never lived on her own before. She didn’t own any furniture or household items. She had gone straight from her parent’s home into her boyfriend’s apartment. But, after that relationship became abusive, she found herself needing a home, a couch, towels, pots and pans…everything. After living at Sheltering Wings a few months, we were able to help her with all of that, and more, to set up her first home.
The process to be able to do so had been in the making a long time. For years and years, a lovely volunteer couple, the Toths, were gathering and storing furniture and household goods in their barn. Back then, we weren’t doing as many client move-outs as we are now. We didn’t have the staff or the resources. The barn was a blessing.
But then, the Lord provided a path forward for housing through Haven Homes and a government program called Rapid Rehousing, which allows us to help clients find and pay for housing. We can get them started with rent until they can pay on their own.
Our need for furniture and space grew as fruits of this program. During a meeting about something else, Paige Vanzo, our Donor and Engagement Director, mentioned the need for a temporary storage space to the Koveys of World Communion Cups – within 5 minutes they walked her upstairs to their warehouse and said, “How’s this?” That’s the kind of people they are. They are committed to the loving work of God’s Kingdom.
We spent about a 12-hour day loading, sorting and moving furniture from one place to the other.
Now, we’ve been blessed with another more permanent opportunity thanks to Hendricks Regional Health. The Safe Start Storehouse. Located at Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, this storehouse will hold donated furniture, household goods and other things our families need to start their new lives in their new homes. Just a few weeks ago, another team of volunteers moved everything into this new space.
This is huge. It gives me goosebumps when I think of how our community — how you provide for those we serve, like Kim. I’m convinced the Lord has a soft spot for the people who come to us for help, and I’m so moved to watch Him provide for their needs.
This is really what it’s all about. Breaking the cycle of abuse for families in need. Last year, 80% of clients we served exited to safety. Many of them exited to their own homes or apartments. Because of you, they had what they needed to set up their new home.
It couldn’t be done without the help and love of supporters like you – like the Toths, HRH, World Communion Cups and so many others. You all care so much, and your love makes all the difference.
We need volunteers to help with taking in this furniture as well as to help move clients into their own homes on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Let me know if you want to know more. I’d love to connect you with my colleague, Jess. If you have gently used furniture or household items, check out Shelteringwings.org/furniture to learn more!
With gratitude,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
