KNX Hero of the Week
By KNX 10.70 — March 19, 2020
Turning unwanted furniture into fresh digs. Our KNX Hero of the Week is repurposing high-quality furniture headed to the dump to brighten the lives of those in need.
For years, Justine Mackey battled challenges, including homelessness. The single mom says it took some time to get back on her feet, but she eventually found a solid place to live. Her apartment was empty, though — not ideal for raising a son. That's when an organization called Furnishing Hope stepped in, and everything changed.
"I couldn't stop crying!" Justine tearfully exclaims. "I almost had a heart attack, I was crying so hard, for so long. Each room they brought me to, I was crying harder and harder, because it was so amazing!"
"I love my apartment and I am very proud," says Justine. "Being chronically homeless, this is my first apartment, and my first time having a real shot at life. I work two jobs. I work really hard, and I just want things to be normal for my son."
Furnishing Hope is the brainchild of long-time Orange County designer Beth Phillips.
"I just saw a lot of things that my clients were wanting to get rid of when their homes were ready to move into," says Beth. "It would just go into the landfill. I thought there ought to be some way to connect the people that don't have enough with the people who have too much."
"So I took an opportunity to start a 501(c)(3) when I had three clients that were just changing the whole interiors of their homes. And with that, I furnished six homes with Habitat for Humanity."
Since 2004, Beth and Furnishing Hope have furnished hundreds of homes, many of which have gone to wounded veterans. Beth says having a kitchen table, a sofa, a bed — can be life-changing, especially for young people.
"It's such a part of your self-esteem," says Beth. "At the end of the day, you can just go home and be yourself. And it's so important for the children, because they need their own bed, and their covers, and their princess pillows."
Turning an empty space into a furnished home, filled with love — we are honoring Beth Phillips as our KNX Hero of the Week for bringing light to those who need a little extra!
KNX Heroes is presented by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans and all of our heroes!
Nominate a KNX Hero of the Week at knx1070.radio.com/nominate
For more information about Furnishing Hope, visit furnishinghope.org