Event geared to help those who were formerly homeless
By Sydney Bonner
There will be a day in every person’s life whenever they are taking a drive and they see what they do not want to see—someone homeless. The hopeless few words scribbled onto a piece of old cardboard are enough to grab anyone’s heart.
But, is it really?
An organization called the Renesting Project is bringing hope to those who have waited so long to be normal, so ready to be able to have a place to call home.
’To reclaim, to renew and to renest’ is the mission of the Renesting Project, Inc., which was founded in October 2009 by Noel B. Haacker, owner of Noel Interior Designs, Inc.
This organization reaches out to the local homeless in the Northwest Louisiana region, as well as right here to the hearts of many we see on the streets today.
The fourth annual event called “Nest Fest” will be taking place at the Bossier Civic Center this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., which is a fundraiser created by Renesting Project, Inc.
A silent and a live auction will be held for community to raise money to purchase “gently used furniture and household items” to clients of registered social service agencies as they are transitioning out of homelessness.
Items up for grabs will vary from jewelry and art to autographed collectables and trips.
The celebration will include live music from Winston Hall, headliner Ambush, and will be catered by Good Eats. Drinks will be provided as well.
Since January of 2010, the Renesting Project has saved hundreds of men, women and children from being homeless.
Without the board of directors who are experts in dealing with accounting management, grants, business ownership and non-profit directorship as well as the support of seventeen local agencies that have supported since 2010, the Renesting Project would not as been as successful as they are today.
“Renesting is something I truly believe in because of all the homelessness I have seen in our area.” Kip Holloway, treasurer of the Renesting Project, said. “The fact that you know you can improve and make a difference in someone’s life is a blessing.”
The project was launched at Asbury United Methodist Church, but relies on support of the community for financial support, volunteer hours and donated items.
“I do not think that you can work with the Renesting Project and not feel like you are a part of everything and helping someone in need.” Holloway said. “It costs the community less to move them out of homelessness than to keep them in it.”
If you are interested in becoming a part of this life-changing organization, you can visit the group’s website—http://renestingprojectinc.org/.
There are different areas of volunteering such as moving the furniture, cleaning and repairing the furniture, as well as delivering and maintaining the office work and several others.
With a little imagination, the Renesting Project can make a homeless person into a brand new home owner that suites their taste.
Agencies like the Fuller Center, The Hub: Urban Ministries, Methodist Children’s Home, Overton Brooks VAMC, Providence House and many other locations have been generous as well.
Tickets can be purchased online for $50 at http://nestfest.brownpapertickets.com/ and will be available at the door as well.
