Success in Furnishing the Homeless
- FarmerKarl
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
How "Do Good Today" is Furnishing Homes and Transforming Lives
In Ogden, Utah, a remarkable story of compassion and action is unfolding. Gary and Margaret Attebery, founders of Do Good Today, are helping some of our community’s most vulnerable residents transition from homelessness to stability. By furnishing apartments for those leaving homelessness, they’re not just providing furniture—they’re creating opportunities for hope and self-sufficiency.
Gary and Margaret’s Vision
Gary and Margaret started Do Good Today with a simple yet profound mission: to ensure that when someone receives the keys to their new low-rent apartment, it’s more than just four walls. It’s a home, complete with the furniture, bedding, and small appliances they need to start fresh.
Their work has had an extraordinary impact. In 2022 alone, the Attebery's helped move 83 individuals into stable housing, with a recidivism rate of just 5%. Compare that to Weber County’s overall rehousing success rate of 50%, and it’s clear that their approach is creating lasting change.
A Day in the Life of Gary
Imagine receiving a phone call like Gary did recently. On the other end was Jenny, someone who had been on the Do Good Today waiting list. Her voice was filled with excitement: “I’ve got a key!”
That key was the start of a transformation. Within days, Jenny’s new apartment was furnished with the basics she needed to begin a new chapter—thanks to Gary, Margaret, and their dedicated team.
And Jenny isn’t alone. Just last week, Do Good Today furnished seven apartments and has five more families lined up. Referrals pour in from organizations like Weber Human Services, the Ogden Rescue Mission, The Lantern House, and the Cottages of Hope. Since its founding in 2021, Do Good Today has furnished over 300 apartments, offering not just furniture, but a foundation for success.
How Home Furnishing Works
The process is as straightforward as it is effective:
Housing Referral: Individuals are referred by local agencies like the Ogden Housing Authority and receive a key to a low-rent apartment.
Home Furnishing: Once they have a key, they join the Do Good Today waiting list. Gary’s team steps in to provide essential furnishings, bedding, and clothing, turning their apartment into a home.
Ongoing Support: For some, the journey includes transitional employment with Do Good Today's job training program 'Empower Us', providing job experience and a pathway to long-term stability.
The Power of Community
This work isn’t done alone. Do Good Today collaborates with local nonprofits, caseworkers, and volunteers to make every success story possible. Volunteers from all walks of life contribute their time, energy, and resources to ensure these new homes are warm and welcoming.
The Origins of Do Good Today
The Atteberys’ journey began with a deeply personal understanding of housing insecurity. After experiencing their own family struggles, they felt called to action when a Salt Lake City outreach group reached out for help during a homeless camp cleanup in 2021. Despite Gary’s serious health challenges, Margaret led the charge, buying clothes, renting a truck, and delivering aid. From that pivotal moment, Do Good Today was born.
A Call to Action
With a new board president, Jed Nilson, at the helm, Do Good Today is poised to expand its impact. The organization is actively seeking a larger storage facility to serve even more individuals transitioning from homelessness.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate furniture, bedding, and clothing you no longer need.
Volunteer your time to help furnish homes.
Spread the word about Do Good Today and its mission.
Your contributions can directly help families move off the streets into stable housing, turning empty apartments into welcoming homes.
Eden Streets is Proud to Partner
At Eden Streets, we are proud to work alongside organizations like Do Good Today to support our community’s most vulnerable. Guided by our principles in The Declaration of Common Ground, we are committed to meeting the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who need it most.
Kommentare