A 501(c)(3) Public Charity
Help us create nurturing environments
to end the cycle
of homelessness
We turn housing
into homes.
People transitioning out of homelessness typically have little more than the clothes on their back. Though they have secured housing, their journey to rebuild their lives often begins by sleeping on the floor and eating from their laps, as they have nothing with which to furnish that housing.
By providing furniture, household items, and pro bono professional design assistance, the Feathered Nest Project turns empty housing into homes where families can thrive - beds for good rest, dining tables to share a meal with loved ones, desks at which to work and study, and comfortable living rooms in which to rest, play, laugh and gather.
Because homes heal
Who we work with:
- Addiction Recovery Programs
- Domestic Violence Centers
- Foster Care System / CASA
- Veterans organizations
- LGBTQ outreach organizations
- Refugee resettlement
How we use donated funds:
- Operational costs
- Warehouse for furniture storage
- Moving trucks/Van rental
- New mattresses and bedding for all clients.
Decrease return to homelessness
Homelessness puts people at higher risk for victimization, poor health, loneliness, and depression, which can lead to addiction, crime, and a host of other issues. Creating a digniifed, comfortable home where they can grow and thrive has proven to reduce return rate.
Lower burden on our communities
Homelessness also has a great impact on the community as a whole. It imposes a burden on communities by increasing costs for healthcare on the general population, diverting police resources, and the overuse of public spaces. Breaking the cycle of homelessness can benefit the community by increasing the tax base and reducing the above costs.
Improve children’s ability to learn
Homeless children’s education is directly impacted by the issues they face, such as the uncertainty of where they will sleep at night and where their next meal will come from, their constant fear of violence, shame for their living conditions, and distractions caused by their family’s suffering.
How can I help?
The Feathered Nest Project works to end homelessness by providing gently used furniture and home goods to families in the greater Nashville area that are transitioning out of homelessness. With the guidance of the interior design community we then create spaces that are more than four walls and a roof overhead, but a feathered nest from which to soar.
Please click on the above icons for more information!.
Our goal is to capture the spirit and personalities of our clients and to enhance their sense of well-being. A home that restores hope and dignity, and has all the necessary ingredients for a fresh start in life. Because we are in our infancy,
our current needs are funds and a base of wonderful volunteers!
A 501(c)(3) Public Charity
The faces of
homelessness
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and their children. 50% of unhoused women are survivers of domestic violence.
The typical homeless family in America is a mother with two children. Almost half of homeless children are under the age of six.
After reaching the age of 18, 20% of the children who were in foster care will become instantly homeless.
By the age of twelve, 83% of homeless children have experienced violence.
Compared to other children, homeless children are more likely to be sick, more likely to go hungry and less likely to go to school.
Americans throw out more 12 million tons of furniture each year
Repurposing furniture helps the environment as well as
fellow human beings!
- Furniture waste is adding to our global waste management and environmental pollutant crisis.
- Repairing, refurbishing, and reusing furniture is good for the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
- Of all household items, furniture is the least-recycled and the second largest portion of urban waste.
- Most of the furniture currently taking up space in landfills was made within the last 10-15 years.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
We’re so happy you want to help The Feathered Nest Project! It’s volunteers like you that will make a huge difference in the lives of our clients.
Please click on the email icon below and let us know the
following info:
- Full name
- Phone
- Do you have a special talent? No need, but can be very helpful!
- Anything else you’d like to share?
Click on this icon to email us!
And don’t forget to follow us on socials for the latest info.
Our inspiration:
As an interior decorator I often saw clients desperate to get rid of the furniture they already had when the new things arrived. I was frequently asked “Do you know of anybody who needs this furniture?” Clients typically don’t want to sell their items online or take them to a consignment store. They were willing to donate items but don’t know where or have a way to deliver large pieces.
I saw so much perfectly good furniture thrown away and I knew there was a better, more meaningful use for all those previously loved items. These items could provide a comfortable home and fresh start for people escaping domestic violence, overcoming addiction, aging out of the foster system, rebuilding from a natural disaster, overcome by a health crisis and so much more.
Erica Sweitzer - Founder and CEO
Email: featherednestproject@gmail.com
Phone: 615-779-3466