The Pillow Project
Furnishing Hope is designing a program in which recipients of our programs can participate in the Pillow Project to produce additional income while at home. Our recipients who receive home furnishings from Furnishing Hope are low-income families receiving HUD VASH housing, employed and earning a minimum wage of approximately $22,880.00 a year.
The low-income level in Orange County is $61,250 for an individual and $92,700 for a family of four. When you look at the finances, it's understandable that so many families struggle to survive in Orange County.
Furnishing Hope will provide recipients with a sewing machine, supplies (thread, bobbins, zippers), and beautiful fabric from local design showrooms in Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel. We will teach them to sew! We will pay them monthly to make pillows which will be sold in our store in Westcliff Plaza, Newport Beach.
ßEach participating recipient must become certified in the art of the perfect pillow:
- Level One — pillows with zippers
- Level Two — welt and pillows with zippers
- Level Three — welt and ornamentation
When proficient, a recipient should be able to sew one pillow in 20 minutes — three pillows an hour, earning $30.00 per hour. We anticipate most participants earning $100 a week or $400 per month. That's a car payment and a phone bill, a month of groceries, or funding for one of life's unexpected events. This program will empower them to become self-sufficient and provide a better life for their families.
We are looking for volunteers who will mentor our recipients as they become seamstresses. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Pillow Project, please email Beth@furnishinghope.org.