One of the responsibilities of privilege is to use our resources wisely. The Repurposing with a Purpose program takes In kind Donations and repurposes them to families that can use them. Used Windows are built into a new home in Tijuana. Furniture turns an apartment into a home for someone that was previously homeless.

Our partnership with St. James Catholic church provides us the storage sheds to hold items until they can be repurposed. Last week one of the clients through Birthline of San Diego, who we collaborate with in the repurposing program, was able to furnish her new home. Sheila had called Jeanne Hansen, the director at Birthline, excited to tell her, “I have the keys to my first home in my hand and just had to tell you”.

Sheila and her 5 boys have taken ownership of their new home. The family had been in a domestic violence safe house, then transitional housin,g for several months. During this time, Sheila had saved enough to put a down payment on her first home. She had put herself through a surgical technician program, enabling her to have a career not just a job. Jeanne, her case manager at Birthline, has guided and supported her through this process.

Now comes the repurposing part! Sheila was able to go “shopping” at the storage area. She selected a couch, beds for herself and all of the kids, a crib, dressers, dining table, TV, lamps, drapes, bedding and all the kitchen items she could use to completely furnish her dream home. Without this resource this family would not have been able to furnish their home. It was a real celebration for everyone!

Being able to support this family makes all the hours of doing pickups and moving furniture so rewarding.

Thank you for keeping this program in mind when you have opportunities to repurpose items. If you ever want to help with other resources, money for gas or donate time please contact Kathy Faller at (858) 254-2008.