A grassroots volunteer group in Hyattsville is looking for space to store furniture and household items for families moving from shelters to permanent housing.
At their current storage space, the former masonic lodge on Gallatin Street, Welcome Home Neighbor hosted a party Nov. 18 to celebrate having helped 100 families move from shelters into furnished homes.
Welcome Home Neighbor collects furniture that families need and moves it into their new homes for them.
The group formed in 2022 to spread the benefits of household giveaways on Hyattsville’s neighborhood listservs and Facebook groups to families moving out of shelters with few supports.
County Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) and State Delegate Ashanti Martinez (District 22) joined the celebration.
The party catered to children, offering cotton candy, popcorn, drawing activities, and a bouncy castle.
Residents brought furniture to donate.
For adults party-goers, Hyattsville resident and hobbyist caterer Daisy Miller piled a table high with a beautiful spread.
Kayleigh Kulp, owner of the former Masonic Temple on Gallatin St agreed to store furniture there while the building was awaiting renovations.
The group now needs a new storage space. They are also looking for a volunteer who can focus on searching for the space, as others in the group continue coordinating moves for about two families a week.
Contact Welcome Home Neighbor at neighborwelcomehome@gmail.com.