“A mission trip in your own backyard:” Holy Cross youth sponsor Down Home move-in

The youth group of Holy Cross Church in West Fargo recently sponsored their fourth move-in with Down Home. In addition to raising the funds, these students and their leaders moved, unloaded, and set up all of the furniture and decor to transform a family’s empty space into a beautiful and dignified home.

Down Home (DH) empowers lives by furnishing homes for families and individuals emerging from homelessness. Founded in 2017, DH serves families in the Fargo-Moorhead area. To date, DH has furnished over 175 homes, impacting over 500 lives, and providing further connections beyond the move-in day.

Although the family could secure housing, they struggled to obtain beds or furnishings for their home. Through the move-in sponsored by Holy Cross youth, Down Home provided new beds for each family member, giving the gifts of the comfort and dignity of a good night sleep.

Sheila Johnson, youth group leader at Holy Cross, reflected on the experience. “The process from start to finish was filled with miracle moments. It was almost like a house to home puzzle. Over 300 donated pieces put together to form a beautiful home. The reveal was so moving. The mother took the time, through tears, to thank each student from our youth group. Everyone was flooded with hugs as well. It was a very inspirational time for all involved.”

 “The things we take for granted are not the reality for many men, women, and children in our community,” said Charlene Kuznia, Co-Founder and Operations Director of DH. “That’s extremely humbling for us to see. One mother we served said, ‘I’m not getting the same reports of my kids acting out in school, because they’re getting a good night’s sleep and they have the comforts and dignity of a home that provides stability and safety. They’re actually prepared for the school day to learn, grow, and achieve.’”

Founder and Executive Director of Down Home, Jenessa Fillipi, shared that the mission reaches far beyond those emerging from homelessness. “Our mission is about the families we serve, of course, but it’s also about equipping and empowering all who enter here: staff, volunteers, and donors. Our stronghold is Luke 9:16, the miracle of the loaves and the fish. Five loaves, two fish fed 5,000 hungry people, which is a reminder to us that with our little, the Lord can create immeasurably more.”

“One of my favorite things about our mission is that volunteers actually do the move-in transformation,” said Emily Kaiser, Director of Mission Outreach. “It’s like a mission trip in your own backyard. You walk into homes in your own community and you see the reality that exists there. The youth from Holy Cross are the ones who packed the U-Haul, brought it out to the space, completely transformed the space, and then got to be there when the family came home for the first time. When you serve the people in your own community, you don’t forget it. Every time you drive by that apartment building, you can pray for that family. You might even run into the people you served at the grocery store or at school. You continue to have an actual connection.”

Down Home focuses on the comfort elements of a home such as pillows, blankets, brand-new mattresses, and also the elements of a home that bring people together: dining tables, couches, games, and faith-based or inspirational quotes on the walls. They also provide opportunities for families they serve to stay connected. They celebrate Christmas, birthdays, send Mother’s Day cards, take family photos, and more.

“Staying connected or having the stability of connections keeps people wanting to work harder to stay in their homes,” said Jenessa Fillipi. “If you’re alone, it’s easier to fall right back into despair and into homelessness.”

Down Home, located in north Fargo, accepts donations of small/non-recliner couches, end tables, accent chairs, vertical dressers, small dining tables and chairs, coffee tables/TV stands, lamps, throw pillows, wall décor, and rugs.

To learn more about DH Sponsorship opportunities and their 7th Annual Hoedown Fundraiser on Sept. 15, visit down-home.org.