Partnership delivers joy to transitioning families
When Kara and her family moved from a tent city to a new apartment, they were grateful to finally have a permanent roof over their heads and a safe place to sleep - even if they didn't have furniture. No place to sit together as a family to eat a meal or to relax other than on a mattress on the floor. Kara tried to find donated furniture from neighbors or anyone nearby so items could be carried home or easily moved but had little luck. She reached out to Mary's Place Make-a-Home program coordinator, Olga Chinka, and with her help, Kara received 18 pieces of furniture, including beds, couches, and a dining table and chairs, thanks to the furniture redistribution and moving program from Eco Movers.
"My kids freaked out when they saw the couches. They were like, 'We're finally going to have a real home!'" Kara said.
Some of the biggest barriers families transitioning to housing face are getting donated furniture items that fit their needs and getting them delivered to their new home. Our Make-a-Home program is a resource to help take the stress out of what should be a hopeful and joyous occasion for families transitioning to permanent housing. A partnership like the one with Eco Movers helps Mary's Place reach more families with the items they need where they need them.
Eco Movers collects and redistributes donated furniture. They store the furniture at warehouses in Seattle and Woodinville, where Olga can look at available items and match them to the needs of families transitioning to permanent housing. Olga works with Eco Movers to schedule the furniture for delivery – all free of charge to the families!
"We are so grateful for our partnership with Eco Movers – they have been so accommodating and truly care about our families! Partnering with companies like Eco Movers to recycle furniture is important for restoring dignity to our families and ensuring their success in their new homes. These items do so much to foster a sense of stability and comfort," Olga said.
During the first month of their partnership with Mary's Place, Eco Movers helped four families furnish and move into their new dwellings. In future months, the goal is to support five to 10 families each month.
"We are proud to play a role in the Make-a-Home program where the simple act of donating furniture can have a profound impact on a family's journey to rebuild their lives. Our team at Eco Movers is dedicated to making a positive difference, and partnering with Mary's Place allows us to do just that," said Grant Korzetz, Owner & Founder of Eco Movers.
If you and your group would like to help a family turn a new apartment into a cozy home, visit our website to learn more about our Make-a-Home program. Olga would love to get you connected to a family that needs your help!