Humble Design San Diego

11/02/2026

Welcome Home, Sarah and John! ❤️
Sarah and John are two of the most positive, faithful, and resilient people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Together since 2015, they’ve weathered some significant challenges and are now settling into a new chapter. Both work at ECTLC, using their lived experience to connect with and help others facing similar circumstances. Sarah is returning to school to finish her graduate degree to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
Their small home needed to reflect their personalities: Sarah’s love of bold, saturated color (especially purple and turquoise!) and John’s passion for music. We wanted to create a space that felt colorful and full of personality while still being peaceful and comfortable, and a welcoming space for family and friends to visit.
With a little creativity and teamwork, we made it happen! Warehouse manager Dennis and mover Junior helped upcycle a wooden file cabinet and a deep drawer into a custom “Frankendresser,” complete with purse and scarf hooks for Sarah - an ideal solution for an awkward bedroom space. Dana altered purple curtains to create concealed storage in a rustic shelving unit that also holds a turquoise microwave. Cheryl beautifully framed numerous family pictures to display throughout the home. Beth, Val, Carrie and Amanda put it all together at Friday’s Deco.
At Sarah’s request, we traded a traditional dining table for a dedicated desk where she can focus on her studies. Our Wednesday sewing team mended a slipcover for Sarah’s desk chair. We incorporated several of Sarah’s amazing paintings throughout the home and added a guitar painting as a nod to John’s musical talents. The living room features comfortable, appropriately sized furniture with much-needed storage and a supportive chair for Sarah’s mom when she visits.
Sarah and John shared that they first learned about Humble Design after running into someone they knew who had received our services. They shared how meaningful it was to discover that there were organizations that help people rebuild their lives, and that it gave them hope that things could get better. What a joy to now be part of their story!

10/30/2026

💜Welcome Home, Daniel!💜
This Thursday, we welcomed Daniel into his newly designed home. “I am just going to sit here and take it all in,” he shared with his case manager, Rita. What was once an empty apartment had been transformed into a warm and inviting space, thoughtfully designed for his daily rituals and a place to gather with friends.
Originally from Chicago, Daniel has a deep love for (most) of his hometown sports teams, with the White Sox holding a special place as his favorite. We drew inspiration from the Chicago Bears for his home’s color palette, incorporating navy with pops of orangey-red. During our first meeting, Daniel also shared fond memories of his time in Austin, Texas, where he worked as a caretaker for both dogs and ducks. We loved bringing that special connection to animals into his home through the design.
As Daniel took in his new surroundings, his gratitude said it all. It’s the little details that make a house feel like home, and when a space reflects the things you love, it becomes more than just a place to live. It becomes a place where you feel comfortable, connected, and truly at home.

10/29/2026

🧡 Welcome Home, Kennedy 🧡

This Wednesday, Kennedy stepped into her newly furnished apartment, and her power!

With her 2 year old son in hand and her supportive cousin, in tow, this delighted young family looked right at home and in their element, as they explored and took in the comfort of their own new home.

While our Humble Design San Diego team alongside our sponsor, Aesop and got to work transforming the space, with tremendous speed and enthusiasm, the cousins had spent the morning together.

This was one of those reveals that is “beyond the furniture.”

By the time our teams were ready to leave, the little cousins were quietly playing with toys together in the newly furnished bedroom, while their mothers stood back and took pride in everything they had achieved. The cousin was the one who helped Kennedy with the deposit for the apartment with a GoFundMe campaign.

The toddler bed was ready for its new occupant come nap time, the living room was warm and welcoming, and the apartment felt as though this family had always belonged there.

A huge thank you to Sophia from VOA Southwest and to our incredible sponsors, as well as our volunteers and staff back at the warehouse who selected, prepared, cleaned and organized every item so the home was ready for a fresh start. Katie, Ramona, Danii, Junior, Yessie, Blessen, Fiona to name a few, who painted, repaired furniture, made name signs, cleaned, framed family photographs and the HumbleDesign team who made sure everything selected for the home arrived safely and on time.

What stood out most today was the teamwork — everyone working together for this young family who had experienced so much hardship and resilience.

Kennedy, we wish you and your son everything of the best and many beautiful new memories in your new home. 🧡

10/26/2026

WELCOME HOME, ALAINA & SON! 🧡

Last Friday, we had the privilege of furnishing Alaina’s home and creating a colorful, joyful space for her and her son as they begin a new chapter filled with peace, stability, love, and new memories.

Alaina has worked incredibly hard to rebuild her life, and this home represents so much more than furniture—it’s a fresh start, a safe place to land, and a foundation for a brighter future.

Alaina loves orange, bold colors, and boho style, so we created a vibrant, eclectic, and cozy space that reflects her personality and brings her joy.

A huge thank-you to Zana from San Diego Center For Children for her support, and to our incredible CCMI volunteers—Brian, Tina, Alana, Katie, Jessica, Monica, Joe, Graciela, and Abby—for building beds, hanging art, unloading the truck, organizing, decorating, and making this house feel like home!

And much love to our warehouse volunteers. None of this would be possible without you!

It truly takes a community to create change. Here’s to fresh starts, healing, hope, and a home filled with love and laughter. Welcome home, Alaina and son! 🧡

10/23/2026

💜 Welcome Home, Ashlynn💜
This Thursday, we had the joy of welcoming Ashlynn into her new furnished apartment. From the moment we met her and her daughter Hailynn, she was a bright light who has her eyes fixed on a beautiful future.

Power couple Barb and Andy alongside mother daughter duo Michelle and Caroline brought the energy, muscles and problem solving skills to get the job done. Together, we created a place for Ashlynn and her daughter to grow and thrive in this new beginning.

A year ago, on Thanksgiving, Ashlynn and Hailynn were suddenly displaced by a family member, leaving them with nowhere to turn. They moved into a hotel, watching their savings quickly disappear as they tried to find stability again. With support from Family Health Centers of San Diego , they were able to access critical resources and secure an apartment. Until today, it was an empty shell, ready to be filled with new memories.

Ashlynn was holding back tears as she expressed immense gratitude for all her new possessions. She was touched in particular by a tea set for her daughter. During our initial meeting, Hailynn, invited us all in for a tea party, arranged of odds and ends from around their empty home. Now she has a beautiful set to enjoy with her mother, as they move together towards a bright future.

10/22/2026

🧡 Welcome home, Francisca & Son! 🧡

Today we welcomed Francisca and her 17-year-old son, into their newly furnished home. Since moving into their apartment in August, they had been sleeping on inflatable mattresses in a mostly empty space.

When Francisca walked into her finished home, she said, “I did not expect this! I expected something basic, but this is really EXTRA!”

And “extra” really was the word of the day.

Our extraordinary friends and volunteers brought extra care, extra talent and extra love to every corner of this home. Junior worked his magic upholstering broken chairs, Kim patiently framed multiple bird photographs, Lauren carefully framed precious family memories, Donna went the extra mile pulling the bathroom together, Sharon finished a crucial sewing project at home just hours before installation, and Ramona painted the dresser until it was exactly right. And a very special thank you to Padres relief pitcher Adrian Morejon and his fabulous wife, Melany, who brought their extra organizational skills to Francisca’s kitchen!

After years of housing instability, Francisca and her son have endured fear, uncertainty and a lack of privacy, comfort and safety—sleeping in their vehicle, on a friend’s couch and in a shelter before receiving help from Nadia at Nurturing Care.

Today, the other word was comfort.

Comfort in a real bed. Comfort in a bedroom custom designed filled with favorite colors and interests. A special table set up so that Francisca can make her custom piñatas comfortably and with storage close by. Comfort in knowing that every piece of furniture was lovingly donated by members of our San Diego community. And comfort in knowing that people care.

Thank you to our volunteers Donna, Kim, and Adrian & Melany spending the day in service to our client. We are thankful to the Padres Foundation for connecting us with Melany, who’s been an all-star Humble volunteer this season! You have generously given time, talent and hearts to help one family, you truly are EXTRAordinary.

Francisca, we wish you comfort, peace and many wonderful new memories in your beautiful home. 🧡

10/19/2026

Welcome home, Leslie and family!

Leslie is a single mom raising her three daughters, Raychel, Sofia, and Miranda, and it was such a joy to celebrate this new chapter with their family. Leslie works full-time as a caregiver, while Raychel, who recently graduated from high school, helps care for Miranda as she begins thinking about what comes next for her.

Leslie and her girls are incredibly close and love spending time together baking, dancing, listening to K-pop, playing soccer, and simply enjoying one another’s company. After spending time in transitional housing, having a home of their own means having a place where they can settle in, feel comfortable, make memories, and enjoy being together as a family.

A huge shoutout to our incredible Day of Joy team of volunteers from San Diego Magazine; Claire, Joanna, Dolores, Emily, Emma, and Jenna for bringing so much energy, care, and heart to this special home transformation. Thank you for showing up for Leslie and her girls and helping make their homecoming such a joyful celebration!

And a special thank you to San Diego Rescue Mission for supporting Leslie and her family along their journey and for the important work you do every day for families throughout our community.

It truly takes a whole community to support one another, and we are so grateful that Humble Design could be one part of Leslie and her daughters’ journey. Here’s to this amazing family of strong, joyful, and empowered women, and all the memories still to come in their new home.

10/16/2026

💛 Welcome home, Rae'ah. 💛

Today was an EXTRA special Day of Joy.

Our Humble Board Member, Jen Verruto who owns Blythe Interiors sponsored this day for her dear friends, Rae'ah and Max who adopted 3 beautiful children.

Jen and Rae'ah's children went to preschool together, and Jen brought their preschool teacher, Andrea and Rae'ah's mom Lynn to be part of this beautiful homecoming.

Rae'ah and Max had dreamed of buying land and creating a sanctuary where children with disabilities could grow, heal, and experience the joy of animals. They had just purchased their land and a trailer to live in while building that dream when a fire came roaring through and took everything—including their beloved pig, Petunia.

And then, the very next day, they received a call asking them to foster a baby who is also the sibling of their daughter, who is thriving in college.

The entire family immediately moved into Rae'ah's parents home nearby for a bit. They then made the decision to move into an apartment with the younger children. The rest of their animals snakes, goats and cats that survived are still at the grandparent's home.

So we created spaces where their kids could simply be kids—cozy rooms filled with things to explore, glow-in-the-dark stars, art they could touch, and a patio designed for sensory play and a little fresh-air respite.

Grandma Lynn unpacked every single item for the bedrooms with such excitement, carefully making each bed. You could feel the joy in every little detail.

Grandma Lynn could barely contain her excitement as she anxiously opened the door, her face glowing with anticipation as she welcomed her family into their new home.

After everything they lost, we hope this home gives Rae'ah, Max and their children something they’ve always given others-a place to call home.

Thank you to Scharonne Jones for her donation of her purple couch and matching chair for their family to relax and gather in their new living room.

Thank you to our Day of Joy volunteers Jen, Abbie, Leah, Andrea, Charlene and Lynn.

10/15/2026

10/15/2026