Sometimes all someone needs is a helping hand to achieve a fresh start in life, and that is what The Renesting Project does for the Bossier community. Since servicing their first family in January 2010, the Renesting Project has helped over 1,200 families in need across Bossier and Caddo Parishes. The nonprofit provides gently used household items, such as furniture, comforters, new pillows, artwork and kitchenware, for those in need.
Founder and Executive Director Noel Haacker originally started The Renesting Project to help the homeless in the local community. After praying for three years about her purpose in life, Haacker said, “One day, God answered my prayers and I was presented with a lot of information about homelessness. And, I knew in my heart that I was supposed to use my background as an interior designer to create furnished homes for the homeless.”
Since opening their doors in 2010, the Renesting Project has modified their original mission to include servicing all those who are in need. The Renesting Project has served 331 people in the past 12 months (averaging 14-16 apartments per month). This level of service has been achieved with the help of their ongoing partnership with 28-30 local social service agencies and faith based partners including: Hope Connections, Caddo Parrish Schools, Bossier Parish Schools, and the Veteran’s Administration.
“Our partnerships with our local agencies serve as a conduit between ourselves and those in need. In order to receive assistance, a client must first go through a registration process through an agency,” said Haacker. “Then, the agency will submit an application to us, explaining what is needed. There is no registration fee.”
Funding for the Renesting Project is provided through private and local foundations such as The Community Foundation, United Way of Northwest Louisiana and private donors. Additional funding for the Renesting Project is provided by multiple fundraisers held throughout the year. The largest fundraiser for the Renesting Project is their annual gala, which will be held on October 20, 2018. Guests can expect dinner, music, a silent auction and lots of fun.
“We believe this is a community issue, where people can help people. The community that we live in is a very caring community,” Haacker said.
For more information, visit https://www.renestingprojectinc.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/RenestingProjectInc/.
Stacey Tinsley
stinsley@bossierpress.com
