Down Home

05/05/2026

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✨"We have waited so long... and now it finally feels like home."

We were honored to welcome this mother and her three kiddos back home last Tuesday. When they left just a few hours earlier, their apartment was empty; when they returned, it was filled with everything that makes a house a home - a complete living room with seating for everyone, a dining table for family meals, and brand-new beds for each family member.

Their journey to this point has been long, and we pray that this space becomes a safe haven where this family can truly find their roots and thrive in our community.

Thank you to the team from Goldmark Property Management and Sterling Management for being the "Team of Muscle" for this family. You didn't just transform a home; you helped change the trajectory of their future. 🙏

05/02/2026

We are beaming with pride for our founder, Jenessa Fillipi for being honored with the Dragon Impact Award by Minnesota State Moorhead! 🏆

From a first-generation student in 1998 to the founder of a mission that changes lives every day, Jenessa is a true testament to what happens when you lead with faith and community. Watching her daughter walk these same halls toward graduation next week makes this honor even more special.

Congratulations, Jenessa! 🐉

05/02/2026

We love reflecting on the beautiful spaces we’ve been blessed to help transform. Here are some of our favorite before-and-after highlights from March & April! 🏡✨

As we begin this month of raising awareness for the hidden realities of thousands of families right here in Fargo-Moorhead, we are reminded that we have the power to change lives. This is why we host our Good Night Sleep Challenge during the month of May every year: to build empathy and provide the funds and furniture needed to give our neighbors the dignity of a good night’s sleep in a bed of their own.

The reality for so many is that four walls are not enough. After a long day at work, school, or daycare... coming home to an empty space lacks the basic comforts needed to truly recharge. Tossing and turning on a hard apartment floor, night after night, is no way to live - and it affects how a person carries themselves through the world day after day.

At Down Home, we feel called to do something about it. We are here to help our neighbors off the floor and into a dignified home that offers real rest while we invite our community to help us with this mission.

In these photos, see the peace of mind that comes with a made bed. See the confidence a teenager gains from a space of their own. See the joy and relief of a parent who can finally offer their children a place of comfort and security. ❤️

05/01/2026

Today's the day! Join us for coffee at 8:00AM this morning and help us kick off our Good Night Sleep Challenge for the entire month of May.

05/01/2026

goes out to the team from Goldmark Property Management and Sterling Management! 🏠💪

This crew of volunteers was new to the Down Home move-in experience, and they did a fantastic job! They jumped right in and quickly transformed a three-bedroom apartment just in time to welcome home a single mother and her three children.

They hauled a couch, dining table, and three beautiful dressers up three flights of stairs - and made it look easy! They were so intentional, making sure the beds were tucked and everything was placed thoughtfully for the family to see the moment they arrived. Watch for the reveal photos on Monday! 📸✨

Thank you, Goldmark, for your "boots on the ground" support and for helping change the lives of this family of four!

04/30/2026

Thank you to the FM Area Foundation for inviting us to pour coffee yesterday at StartupBREW Fargo and to Emerging Prairie for having us at StartupBREW's fifth birthday! We had a great time serving coffee to so many smiling faces. ☕️✨

Also... who knew watching a cake flip could be so entertaining!? 🤣

04/29/2026

Happy Birthday to Kirstin! 🥳✨

As our Power Team visionary, Kirstin’s heart is with our mission through and through. We are so incredibly grateful for her "YES" to Down Home and for the way she has been such a blessing to our community over the years.

Today we celebrate YOU, Kirstin! We hope your day is as wonderful as the impact you make. 🎂❤️

04/29/2026

At Down Home, we drive two pioneering programs to carry out our mission of stabilizing those emerging from homelessness: our Traditional Program and our Empower Up Program. Both paths serve neighbors who have fought hard in the arena of housing instability and are ready for a new beginning. By inviting members of our community to volunteer, donate, and spread awareness, together we have stepped into the gap and transformed the lives of over 700 men, women and children.

Everyone served through both our Traditional and Empower Up programs are welcomed into the Down Home Family - receiving intentional wrap-around support and connections beyond the move-in day. Swipe through to learn more about our programming.

🏠 Traditional Program: Our Traditional Program serves families with children emerging directly from a homeless situation, referred by a case/social worker after their housing is secured. We transform the entire home - every bedroom, bathroom, and living space - to ensure they have a dignified place to call home and form stability during this transition.

🏠 Empower Up Program: Empower Up focuses on individuals who have experienced homelessness at some point in their life and may already be housed, but still lack the critical pieces that make a house feel like a home. After enrollment & completion of our Empower Up Program, a priority room is chosen by the client and transformed by Down Home.

04/28/2026

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY! ☕️✨
Stop by this Friday from 8:00–9:30 AM for a coffee hour to kick off our Good Night Sleep Challenge!

We are excited to have three of our Impact Makers, Sommer, Caleb, and Kirsten, sharing their hearts for this challenge and why our mission matters. Come hear firsthand why it takes an entire community to rally together for Better Sleep Month this May.

Grab a cup of coffee and help us start the month strong! We can't wait to see you there.

04/28/2026

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✨"This is beautiful. I appreciate everything and I am very grateful! Our house doesn't echo anymore. This is cool!"

Words of gratitude poured out as this family of five walked through their front door for the very first time last Tuesday. A cozy rug brought warmth to the living room, intentional decor filled the walls, a beautiful nursery and restful master bedroom transformed this once-empty house into a sanctuary where the family can finally rest. Their journey has not been easy, but we pray that it is much easier from here on out now that they have a place to settle. ❤

The boys were ecstatic about the Hot Wheels rug in their bedroom. Their oldest son excitedly hung his coat and backpack on their new coat rack. Mom and dad were happy to finally have a dining table where they can eat together and a welcoming living room to spend time together as a family. ☺️ Make sure you make it to the last slide - we love their sweet family photo!

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who lifted this family up and transformed their home during this pivotal time in their lives. 🙏 We are all so blessed to play a small part in their journey.

04/27/2026

Think of us when you're cleaning out these next few weeks! Give us a call with any questions. 📞 701-532-1488

As you prepare for Cleanup Week, consider giving your gently used furniture a second life by donating to local organizations in need. Your donation could make a real difference for someone right here in our community!

A big shout-out to these amazing groups that accept furniture donations and medical equipment. Many even offer pickup services if you contact them directly:

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley
HIA Heirlooms
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Down Home
HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization