Rescheduled from January due to winter weather, U-Haul-sponsored nonprofit will commemorate feat on Feb. 27
DETROIT — Humble Design Fueled by U-Haul will be furnishing its 1,000th home for Detroit families emerging from homelessness on Feb. 27. The milestone comes as the Michigan-born nonprofit celebrates 10 years of helping people break the vicious cycle of homelessness and realize better lives.
Founded in 2009, Humble Design provides hope and compassion to deserving families in need. Its staff and gracious volunteers accomplish this by turning empty residences into clean, dignified and welcoming homes.
This noble work happens three times a week in Detroit – and seven times a week nationally – through Humble Design’s free professional design services and the repurposing of gently used furnishings donated by the community.
“I never could have imagined how an idea to help a friend 10 years ago could turn into an organization that makes such an impact to families and veterans that have experienced homelessness,” said Treger Strasberg, the charity’s Co-CEO and founder. “It started out with one family, one truck, and a community that embraced them.”
Media Invited to Big Day
The 1,000th home reveal will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 27. Media is encouraged to share the family’s tale of perseverance and mark Humble Design’s decade of success in addressing Detroit’s homelessness crisis. Contact Shelly Watts for event details at shellyw@humbledesign.org.
“This day means so much to our staff, volunteers, families and supporters,” shared Watts, Humble Design’s Chief Development Officer. “We’re so thankful for the immense community support as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary.”
People receiving Humble Design services include single parents with children; veterans; and domestic violence victims. Humble Design partners with local shelters to identify families in need. Families take a personal stake in their newly furnished homes, leading to an extraordinary success rate – 99 percent to receive services have escaped the cycle of homelessness.
U-Haul, Others Aid Expansion
Humble Design’s outreach has grown the last two years with the opening of new offices in Chicago, Seattle and San Diego.
U-Haul International came on board as a national sponsor in 2016 to offer infrastructure and support for expansion. More organizations have joined the cause, including national sponsors CB2 and Clorox, and city sponsors such as the Schultz Family Foundation and Isabel Allende Foundation.
In 2018, Treger and husband Rob Strasberg also began hosting the TV program “Welcome Home” on The CW. It’s a takeoff on Humble Design’s work to assist families striving to overcome difficult circumstances. Check local listings for when “Welcome Home” airs in your market.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Humble Design and this partnership,” stated Bill Rains, U-Haul Area District Vice President. “Ten years and 1,000 Detroit families helped are tremendous accomplishments. We look forward to achieving much more to remedy the homeless situation and improve lives by working together as a community.”
Finally, learn more about volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships, giving furniture or making a financial gift by visiting humbledesign.org.
