Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Upcycling beds, sofas for the less fortunate
WEST CHESTER >> “Huge!” is how Jessica Prendergast of Home of the Sparrow referred to the contribution of the Community Warehouse Project of Chester County.
Community Warehouse keeps families from sleeping on floors and allows them to eat dinner together at the same table. The organization upcycles, not recycles pre-owned furniture and household goods.
Executive Director Glenda
Brion said Community Warehouse “makes a house into a home.”
Home of the Sparrow fights to eliminate homelessness for women and their children.
“The motivation gives (our clients) something to go home to,” Prendergast said. “That’s where your baby lives.”
Community Warehouse board member John Lilley attended last week’s open house at the organization’s newest warehouse on Market Street in the borough.
“When people are picking themselves back up with the aid of a local social service agency and need help in securing a living situation, we help make a living space into a home,” Lilley said.
Melissa Horst of Good Samaritan Services said that receiving furniture is a “huge financial relief.”
There are now warehouses in both Downingtown and West Chester.
Lilley said the Community Warehouse always needs beds, dressers, end tables, chairs and kitchen and dining room tables to share food.
Brion said she is pleased to distribute the furniture and household goods through referring agencies.
“It’s rewarding to know that people are going to sleep in a bed tonight and have a sofa to be with their family,” Brion said. “It’s pretty cool.”
Since the organization’s start just less than two years ago, 320 families have been served, along with 35 veterans. Three hundred twelve beds were provided through 38 referring agencies.
Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell joined representatives and volunteers at the open house, and presented a check for $15,000 to the non-profits to Brion. The funds are part of the County’s annual appropriations to organizations and nonprofits.
Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline said, “In the relatively short time that Community Warehouse Project has been serving Chester County residents, they have helped 320 families. It is impressive that this good work is accomplished by a group of people who live by a ‘pay it forward’ philosophy.”
Community Warehouse Project volunteers help to collect and distribute furniture and household goods, and the organization also works with local social service agencies to identify those who would greatly benefit from furniture donations.
“The goal of everyone who works with Community Warehouse Project is simple but effective,” said County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “They want to know that every family and individual suffering from poverty or other hardships can live in a furnished home, and they have created the resources to make that happen.”
Commissioner Terence Farrell added, “Chester County’s Decade to Doorways program – our initiative with the purpose of ending chronic homelessness in the county – relies on the strong network of organizations, social service providers and non-profits.
“Community Warehouse complements this initiative and helps in a very practical way to provide furniture and other items for those who would otherwise struggle to purchase them, or for those who have just transitioned into a permanent home and have little or no resources to purchase furniture and household items.”
To donate, go to www. communitywarehouseproject.com and include photos of items.