The Resource Exchange

A Program of the St. Vincent de Paul Church Social Action Committee

Making visible, measurable progress in reducing long-term street homelessness has long been a challenge for Baltimore. In the recent economic downturn, growing numbers of people find themselves with nowhere to live. Health Care for the Homeless (http://www NULL.hchmd NULL.org/) (HCH) identifies the most vulnerable homeless clients for housing and locates suitable (and City-approved) rental units, while providing supportive case management.

HCH housing programs receive grant funding for apartment rentals but have few resources for furniture and household items. The Resource Exchange, a program of the St. Vincent de Paul Church Social Action Committee in collaboration with HCH, optimizes the dollars available for successful housing by providing the items needed to set up a household.

The Resource Exchange’s Mission:

Called to serve homeless persons in our community, The Resource Exchange  provides tangible resources to homeless individuals moving into stable housing.  By making the transition to permanent housing more successful, we trust that those we serve will realize new opportunities to more fully participate in the life of their community.

Specifically, The Resource Exchange:

  • Works with established agencies that identify clients to move from homelessness to rental apartments.  Initial collaboration is with Health Care for the Homeless.  We hope to include other agencies engaged in housing the homeless in the future.
  • Provides donated household furniture for clients moving into housing.  Health Care for the Homeless estimates 3-4 clients  move in each month. The Resource Exchange volunteers engage churches, individuals and furniture outlets to donate furniture in good condition.    See list of furniture needed.
  • Provides home starter kits for each person moving into housing.  These items are solicited through partner churches, community organizations and retail outlets.  See home starter kit contents.
  • Ensures a comfortable start for homeless clients, who are beginning a new phase of life.  Our volunteers assist moving clients into their new home, help set up the furniture, fill the apartment with household items, and participate in a celebration of a new phase of life.

How can you help?

The Resource Exchange is seeking partner groups, such as churches and community organizations  to locate and collect the items needed. By partnering with The Resource Exchange, you and your group can help provide the goods that many of us have in excess and can be shared with those who have little.  By “exchanging” your goods to enrich the life of someone else, everyone benefits.  You have the knowledge that your excess furniture or household goods enabled someone to begin a new life and that our combined efforts helped ensure the success of this life change.

How does this work?

For household furniture, The Resource Exchange’s volunteers work with your group to accept donations of useable furniture. Because storage space is limited, The Resource Exchange can carry one month’s inventory (furniture for 3-4 apartments) at any time.

For home starter kits, The Resource Exchange suggests that your group agrees to assemble home starter kits for 3-4 clients per month.  We have the ability to store larger quantities of home starter kits.

We hope you will consider working with The Resource Exchange to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors moving from homelessness to homes.

Contact:
Peggy Cronyn at 410-707-3659 or Deacon Bill Pearson at 410-274-2671 or by email at resource-exchange@stvchurch.org (resource-exchange null@null stvchurch NULL.org) for more information on how you can participate.

Home Furnishing Needed for One Apartment

  • Small sofa
  • End tables
  • Coffee table
  • Easy chair
  • Table lamps (2)
  • Floor lamp
  • TV stand
  • Kitchen table with 2-4 chairs
  • Dresser (4 or 5 drawer)
  • Night table
  • Mattresses, box springs, pillows (must be purchased new)

Home Starter Kit Contents
All items can be new or used but in good condition.

Kitchen:

  • Pots and pans , covers optional (2)
  • Frying pans (2)
  • Cooking utensils—spatula, ladle, can opener, etc.
  • Mixing bowl
  • Dishes—plate, salad plate, bowl (4 place settings )
  • Mugs for coffee (4)
  • Set of silverware (4)
  • Plastic containers for food storage

Cleaning Supplies:

  • Paper towels and sponges
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Trash bags
  • Small broom and dustpan
  • Laundry basket, hangers

Bath:

  • Shower curtain with expansion rod
  • Floor bath mat
  • Towels, hand towels and wash cloths (2)
  • Toilet paper (4 rolls), soap (2 bars)

Linens:

  • Sheets and pillowcases for full size bed (2 sets)
  • Blanket and/or bedspread or comforter

Wish List (items not required for move-ins, but desired):

  • Televisions
  • Radios
  • Microwave ovens
  • Toasters

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