​Check out our AMAZON WISHLIST 
(select ship to: Heidi Ruud address)

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME

 

Fifty local agencies, including SafeHouse Center, Alpha House, and SOS Community Services rely on us to transform empty apartments into unique homes tailored to each family. Does Mom love blue? Do the kids adore superheroes? Is the veteran hoping for a chess set? We listen, and we make it happen. From crock pots to bunk beds, every home reflects the needs and individuality of the people living there.

 

We couldn’t do this without the incredible generosity of our community. In the spring, we "rescued" the equivalent of six semi-trucks full of furniture and household items during student move-out season at the University of Michigan. By repurposing donations, we keep tens of thousands of items out of landfills while helping families in need. We also gladly accept gently used furniture, household items, and decor year-round, from donors like you and your neighbors, providing a direct way for the community to make a difference.

 

EXPANDING OUR CAPACITY

 

Thanks to Trinity Health, we’ve expanded our storage capacity to 40,000 square feet. This allows us to stage moves, refurbish furniture, host caseworker training, and ensure we’re ready to meet demand—even during busy months when resources are stretched thin.

 

THE NEED IS GROWING

 

This year, we’re on track to furnish over 400 homes, up from 352 last year. Each of these moves is coordinated ENTIRELY by volunteers; our volunteers already logged 28,000 hours in 2024.

 

But there are fixed costs, about $500 per move, for essentials like gas and maintenance for our trucks, new mattress encasements - to ensure the cleanliness of our donated mattresses, supplies for furniture and equipment repair, and most importantly funds to pay our “heavy lifters,” who load and unload our trucks. While donations of goods keep costs low, financial support is vital to sustain and grow our impact.