Humble Design to Serve 2,000th Client in Fight against Homelessness

Aug 24, 2021

U-Haul, a national partner of the charity since 2016, is the 2K Family Sponsor on Aug. 27

The non-profit organization Humble Design continues to make a difference by disrupting the cycle of homelessness and improving the odds – and lives – of one at-risk family at a time.

The numbers have begun to add up.

On Friday, Humble Design will provide charitable services to its 2,000th client emerging from a homeless shelter. With the help of passionate volunteers, Humble Design does this by transforming empty residences into clean, dignified and welcoming homes through its free professional design services and the repurposing of gently used furnishings donated by the community.

Humble Design is celebrating this milestone with a special home “deco” and reveal day on Aug. 27. Humble Design teams in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego and Seattle will hold events to mark 2,000 clients.

U-Haul, a national partner of Humble Design since 2016, will serve as the 2K Family Sponsor.

Media is welcome at the 2K client events. For the home “deco” and reveal details in a specific market, please email lisa@humbledesign.org.

Impact Grows with National Expansion

Humble Design furnished its 1,000th home in early 2019, nearly 10 years after the project began. Demand and impact have increased dramatically since then as the charity served its second 1,000 clients in two years thanks to expansion and local sponsorships that have ensured sustainability in more markets.

Families take a personal stake in their newly furnished homes, leading to a remarkable success rate – 99 percent to receive Humble Design’s services have escaped the cycle of homelessness. Clients are referred by designated services that work with local shelters.

“U-Haul is proud to sponsor the 2000th family served by Humble Design because we recognize what it means for a family to move forward towards a new life,” stated Sebastien Reyes, U-Haul Vice President of Communications and Humble Design Board Chair. “Every one of us associated with this mission believes in the power of a bed and a roof overhead to change lives.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships, furniture donations or making a financial gift, please visit humbledesign.org.

2K Milestone: What They’re Saying

Here is what Humble Design’s directors in each city have to say about reaching 2,000 clients served:

“The furnishing of Humble Design’s 2,000th home is cause not only for great celebration but also reflection. It reflects the deep legacy of Humble, born here in Detroit in 2009. It reflects the hard work, generosity and spirit of our staff, volunteers, donors and sponsors. It reflects the help and comfort that Humble has provided to so many people over the years. And it reflects that there are still so many more to help.” — Chris Tull, Humble Design Detroit

“It is such a joy to say ‘thank you for your service’ to veterans by transforming their empty houses into fully furnished homes. So many of our veterans have experienced the trauma of war, and we know the impact one’s environment has on mental health. We see it every week. At Humble Design, we create homes for the veterans that reflect them, to serve as a refuge and healing space. We’d be hard-pressed to do what we do without our partner CB2, which is transforming the perception of home design, and has been such a wonderful city sponsor here in Chicago; and U-Haul, which provides not only our warehouse space and our moving truck, but has fully funded this 2,000th home celebration across all five Humble Design cities.” — Julie Dickinson, Humble Design Chicago

“Humble Design Seattle is thrilled to have contributed to our organization’s 2,000 homes furnished. Backed by hardworking volunteers and gracious donors, our Seattle team has welcomed 124 families home since our opening in 2018. Humble’s 2,000 homes nationally speaks to the tenacity of our team members, the dedication of our supporters, and ultimately the need for our services. We’re looking forward to increasing our impact and welcoming home even more families.” — Annemarie Thayer, Humble Design Seattle

“Humble Design San Diego is so grateful to partner with U-Haul to serve our neighbors leaving homelessness. ‘Togetherness to end homelessness’ is so much more than our company tagline. It’s our promise to the community. When we bring together people with hearts to serve, and connect them with our clients, lives are changed for good. Thank you to U-Haul for making Humble’s 2,000th home milestone such a beautiful illustration of our commitment to our neighbors.” — Laura Lavoie, Humble Design San Diego

“Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries’ Breaking New Ground campaign has the ability to advance efforts to end family homelessness in Cleveland for our city’s most underserved. This initiative fits beautifully with our mission of turning empty houses into welcoming homes. We are excited and honored to be a part of this effort for two amazing families because we know the impact of creating a space where these families thrive can be life-changing.” — Debbie Eastburn, Humble Design Cleveland

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Over half a million people face food insecurity in Maricopa County. Local nonprofits work daily to address this ongoing concern, but could not service those in need with the commitment of community and business members who choose to step up and help. U-Haul...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

When Luz decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Homeownership Program, she had no idea just how much of an impact it would have on her son, Jason. The family met Habitat’s criteria and completed more than 400 hours of “sweat equity” by working...

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. — Michelle Vukov-Mikel and Michele Ramirez have been honored as the U-Haul® Volunteers of the Year for 2023. At the end of each year, U-Haul recognizes the Team Member(s) who has volunteered the most hours, supported the greatest number of U-Haul charity...