Who is behind Heavenly Housing?
Hello, I am Lauren Brasile the founder and Executive Director of Heavenly Housing.
That's me at a Habitat for Humanity work site in Jackson, Mississippi in May of 2006 building a home for a Katrina evacuee. It was during this week long volunteer mission that I saw firsthand the destruction of Coastal Mississippi. It was the beginning of hurricane season, and the one group that had been providing lodging (on any significant level) for volunteer workers was pulling their operations for fears over safety. They had set up large tented bunkhouses and had suffered some damage with a tropical storm that had recently been through the area. It was painfully obvious to me that coastal Mississippi would require years of rebuilding- and permanent lodging for the countless volunteers assisting in the process was necessary.
About myself: I have been a Nurse for 20 years. I have also been working at Interior Decorating for the last several years. I am a wife, mother of 2 boys, and a Christian. I believe that God chooses the ordinary to do the extraordinary and that giving (time, talents, money, whatever) to others is the most important work any of us can do!
What is Heavenly Housing's history?
Heavenly Housing is a newly created 501(c)3 non-profit charity. It is our belief that adequate, permanent housing will sustain volunteer efforts to areas that have suffered widespread damage and will require years of rebuilding. Heavenly Housing will allow volunteers to experience the joy of giving by providing this lodging.
Organizations that provide temporary initial housing options are necessary, timely, and appreciated! It is my hope that Heavenly Housing will compliment their efforts in housing volunteer workers for years to come and that Heavenly Housing will develop housing programs and methods of disaster response for future events.
Why give to Heavenly Housing?
Heavenly Housing is unique. I have found no other organizations that use single family residential properties to house volunteers. Campsites, bunkhouses, re-purposed multipurpose buildings are the norm for disaster relief volunteer lodging. Once built, homes would be maintained with a "suggested daily donation" from the volunteers using the home, thereby creating a self-sustained program. Volunteers would be well rested and restored after a days work and much more likely to plan a return mission.
Heavenly Housing Homes would be built in any community that suffers widespread damages and requires a long-term commitment from the volunteer worker. Heavenly Housing's Homes are limited to areas within the USA.
How can I help?
Of course,Heavenly Housing is need of cash donations. Money is needed to purchase floor coverings, drywall, and appliances in order to outfit the first Heavenly Housing Home.
Most importantly, Heavenly Housing is seeking “friends”. People with similar passions and a desire to help in whatever way possible- even if that help is just forwarding the website address. Friends of Heavenly Housing will not just support us financially but will help us by sharing our mission and vision, by making connections, and by volunteering. Friends will help Heavenly Housing engage multiple communities throughout the country. Friends will be able to build an army of support for our organization and ensure a sustained growth. Please join in our cause- donate what you can, inform others of our organization, or contact me with your ideas or suggestions.
