It’s no secret that I love home decorating and DIY. I’m not a professional designer, and it’s not something that I take that seriously, it’s just something that’s fun for me. I love to create new things and I love to make our surroundings comfortable and “pretty.” It’s a creative outlet and something I enjoy. That being said, it can start to feel a bit materialistic sometimes. My “profession” is blogging, and my niche is home decor. It’s something that I talk about all the time, but ultimately it’s just decorating — it’s not something profound or life changing. Or at least it wasn’t before I partnered with Dwell with Dignity and was able to use my passion for DIY to give back and help change the lives of a mother and her two sons. I think in the process, it changed me too.
I will have photos of the home to share here soon, but for now here is a link to Dwell with Dignity’s photo album on Facebook where you can see pictures of the installation. Here is a video of the reveal:
If you’re not familiar with Dwell with Dignity, they are an organization that creates beautiful, comfortable homes for families struggling with poverty and homelessness. These families are in the process of getting on their feet and transitioning into a home of their own, but sometimes they have no money to fill that home with anything. They are trying to make ends meet, and sometimes have to make the choice between paying for healthcare or purchasing a sofa, or choose between buying clothes or buying a mattress. They are often used to sleeping on a mattress on the floor because bedroom furniture just doesn’t rank high on the priority list when you’re struggling just to keep the lights turned on. Dwell with Dignity completely furnishes their home, stocks their pantry, and even provides their first meal in their new home. In the process, these families’ standards are raised and they can start their new life in a comfortable, soothing environment.
When I was asked to lead the DIY Committee for this project, it was a no-brainer. What a blessing to be able to use something that I’m passionate about to help someone who is struggling. With the help of my amazing DIY blogging community, the vision of designers Kerry Howard and Brian Patrick Flynn, plus a wonderful group of volunteers, a mother and her two young sons now have a beautiful haven to call their home.
You guys — let’s just talk about the reveal for a minute. Wow. I was there when she saw it for the first time and I can’t even begin to describe the energy and emotion involved. I know you can see it in the video, but it’s hard to really convey. A handful of us stood outside the door while Brian and Kerry (the designers) walked the mother and boys through the home and we could hear her screaming with excitement. We quickly entered right afterwards and there were tears all around. My favorite part was the fact that her two boys instantly went into their room and started playing with their new Legos and games and just immediately felt “at home.” They didn’t skip a beat. I loved that.
I’ll be posting more photos soon, as well as tutorials for the individual projects I worked on for the home. And guess what? We will be working on another project this summer and I can’t wait to share that with you too. 🙂
You can read my other Dwell with Dignity posts here, here and here. Check back soon for photos of the wrap party plus the Design Bloggers Conference!
Also, I posted this on my Facebook page and want to post it here too:
Ultimately I really just want to say that no matter what your passions are in life, or your hobbies or interests or skills, I challenge you to find a way to use it for GOOD. There is always a need. Maybe you love to cook, or maybe you’re a crafter or you love decorating and DIY like I do. Maybe you knit or crochet or you just want to find some way to help people. I urge you to go out and do it. There is always someone out there in need who can benefit from whatever it is that you have to offer. And we ALL have something to offer.
If you’re new here, please consider subscribing via RSS or by email.
You can also connect with me here:
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
This is seriously awesome what y’all did. The expression on the family’s faces were priceless .Gold bless y’all! Erin, for the nth time really love how you’ve grown the Atlanta bloggers group. Would love to get your advice on setting up a group, sending you an PM on FB. Please check your other folder.
PS: Not a big fan of the cursive writing font for the comments. The size is small and it is tough to read.
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you, Vidya! I’d be happy to give advice on starting a group. I’ll look for your message! As for my font, I’m not sure how to change it! Looking into it. Not sure why it’s cursive in the comment form. Thanks for letting me know!
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
Ok just realized that the comments don’t show up in cursive but is like that when you type. Hmmm!
Jenny says
Wow, this is so inspiring! Having been in the ID industry since college, I agree that sometimes the work can feel superficial at times; so I love using design to benefit others in need! Bravo on a fabulous job and a fantastic cause!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Jenny! If you didn’t have a couple of buns in the oven, I would rope you into the next project! 🙂 Hopefully we will be doing many more in the future.
Nina @ Everyday Enchanting says
Erin, this is absolutely amazing! That video brought tears to my eyes. Kudos to you and everyone involved in this project!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you, Nina! It was such an amazing thing to be a part of. It was a lot of work but seeing the family’s reaction made every second worth it.
Valerie @ Making It Worthy says
Hi Erin!
I love this post. It’s how I feel about decorating too. by itself it means nothing, it’s just pretty, but done for a purpose it becomes a gift. I hope I get the chance to help out with this over the summer, do you have dates yet?
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
We’d love to have your help, Valerie! We don’t have dates yet but I’ll definitely keep everyone posted.
Heidi @ Decor & More says
This is so awesome, Erin — what a wonderful way to use your gifts for good! I’d love to lend a hand on the summer project if you need help. Congratulations!
xo Heidi
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you, Heidi! We’d love to have your help. Great to see you today!
Jen says
I found your blog because of Dwell with Dignity. I love what you did for the family and look forward to following your blog now .
Gwen says
What an awesome way to give back!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you, Gwen!