Mary’s Place aims to ensure that no child sleeps outside, working through emergency family shelter, mobile outreach, and homelessness prevention. A key initiative, the Make-a-Home program, supports families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing by providing essential furnishings. Program Coordinator Olga Chinka emphasizes that many families arrive at new homes with little more than the belongings they carried into shelter. The program aims to furnish these homes with basics like couches, tables, and beds, transforming spaces into loving, secure environments.
Volunteers play a crucial role, including Katie Bernson from Coldstream Wealth Management, who has seen firsthand how community support can furnish homes and provide stability. The program has grown from assisting a few families monthly to supporting 25 to 30 families, thanks to community partnerships. Beyond furniture, the program also accepts household items like dishes and bedding, allowing families to choose what they need from a home store at no cost.
Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary’s Place, expresses gratitude for the collective efforts that enable families to thrive in their new homes, reinforcing the mission to ensure that no child sleeps outside.
