Dignity at Home: The Sharehouse Initiative

The Sharehouse Basic Needs Center plays a big role in both providing stability and comfort for the communities UCFS serves. For people experiencing basic needs instability, homelessness, or who are newcomers to the U.S., finding housing is only the first step to long-term stability. The costs associated with moving to a new home often leave families with few options for furnishing their homes and supplying basic needs items. It is estimated that furnishing a 2-bedroom apartment can cost a family up to $4,000. By providing essential furniture, houseware, and clothing free of charge, UCFS directly eliminates the financial burden associated with these items. 

Beyond economic mobility, basic needs security transforms communities. Research on a program similar to the Basic Needs Center shows that having furniture and basic needs items in their home not only provided financial relief, but also provides a feeling of respect, a sense of creating a home, physical comfort, and improved their emotional well-being. By helping families build stable, dignified homes, UCFS creates healthier household environments where children thrive in school, and adults can focus on career growth, ultimately strengthening the social and economic well-being of the entire community. 

Funds will directly support the purchase and distribution of essential household items and furniture for families who need support, including newly arrived refugee and immigrant families. Specifically, funding will be used to procure high-demand items that are rarely donated in sufficient quantities, such as new mattresses, cribs, baby essentials, cookware sets, and more.