Whew! Where do I begin? I stopped and started this post so many times that I finally decided to just let it flow freely. So here it goes. Unedited, but spell checked.
Room Service Atlanta is so much more than a non-profit organization. It is a dream realized and a bit of a sacrifice. Many long hours have gone into planning, building our website, securing sponsorships, marketing, etc. that my business has taken a backseat the past few weeks. I've received some
constructive criticism about embarking on a non-income generating project instead of "winning bread" for my own family, but when your heart speaks you have to listen.
Our benefiting shelter is
Nicholas House located in Atlanta's Grant Park Community. What really struck a chord with me about Nicholas House is that they
keep families together. I had no idea until now that men and women are generally segregated in most shelters and that a "family" constituted a married couple with children. As we know, families come in many forms from a father and daughter, to a grandparent raising their grandchildren.
Truth is any one of us, no matter how prepared we think we are, could experience circumstances that would leave us in a homeless shelter. Homelessness, like death does not discriminate. Imagine having to leave your current home with or without your life's possessions. Could you live in one room with your family? If not, what would you leave behind? Hard to say, isn't it?
Our slogan for Room Service Atlanta is simply, "Deserving Design Delivered." No, interior design is not a cure all for homelessness, but it can do a ton of good for a person's mental and emotional state. I'm so grateful to have a co-founder,
Dayka Robinson, who has the same heart for homelessness as well as
12 designers who have joined us in this endeavor.
Interior Designers are problem solvers are we thrive on a good challenge. The rooms are small and people possessions are plentiful. When you see the following images, you will understand what I mean. Keep in mind that my challenge is NOTHING compared to what the residents are experiencing on a personal level. I am humbled and honored that they would allow me to help.
A father and his two daughters live here. It's a bit difficult to see the floor plan, but I will post a sketch when I get some time. Lives will be changed during this project, mine included. My heart is full.
If would like to help in anyway, please
click here and tell us how you want to serve.
Thank you in advance.
