LatterHouse Decor provides no-cost furnishings, décor, and professional interior decorating services to survivors of domestic violence after they transition from the shelter into their home.
SDCM:
LatterHouse Decor has truly evolved since its 2015 inception, including the recent launch of a fabulous rebranding campaign as the first recipients of the Care More Initiative. What are some additional highlights?
Shalonda:
95% of the women we have assisted have reported reduced stress.
Raised over $50,000 in home furnishings and décor donations.
80% “no-return” rate to their former life of abuse through our services.
Added two new volunteer staff interior decorators.
SDCM:
How many home installations have you completed and in what areas?
Shalonda:
Over 60 home installations in Dallas, Oak Cliff, Denton, Plano, Frisco, Allen, The Colony, Lewisville, Royce City and a few surrounding areas.
SDCM:
How vital is this ministry work to survivors and their families?
Shalonda:
Starting over is hard enough, so leaving an abusive environment can be even more daunting. Survivors have big decisions to make, often at a great cost…including where to find safety; how to begin a new life; and where to obtain the resources to live. The hardship of having to leave everything behind is painful…their hopes, their dreams, and financial stability.
After a survivor leaves the shelter, she is offered a few things to get started in her new home life for only a short period of time. It hardly feels like much of an improvement when faced with more hard choices. She may not have financial stability for a month or two, but still has to make her new beginning livable and more like a home. Deciding whether to buy groceries or sheets? A new bed or pay bills? Gas or pots and pans?
LatterHouse Decor steps in to alleviate that sense of loss and offer an environment for our survivor families to thrive in. We feel the vitality of a survivor thriving in their new environment is of top priority. With a fully furnished home, it sets them up for greater…healthier sleep, meal times, and overall well-being. Home furnishings allows our clients to actually see and feel the love that is being poured out at no cost to them.
SDCM:
What are your future endeavors and goals?
Shalonda:
Assisting more survivor families at a faster rate with a goal of completing home installations within one week of their move-in date. We have plans for a brick and mortar building and a resale shop for our clients to shop and neighbors can donate furniture and décor items.
We will expand beyond the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with hopes of expanding in Houston next year. We have built some wonderful relationships in the area!
SDCM:
Are there imparting words you would like to share?
Shalonda:
The domestic violence community is considerably underserved. Often survivors are not thought of after their short-term stay in a shelter. The “life” after shelter life is just as important. Sometimes it takes two to three years for family’s to regain everything they loss and had to give up just to be safe. We strive to see our survivor clients dwell with dignity, through home décor and furnishings as they get a new lease on life. With your generosity towards us, it will help us see this through.
Supporting the Mission:
Monetary Donations – Visit www.latterhousedecor.org
Furniture In-Kind donations – Visit website, click “Contact Us”
CashApp: $LHDecor
We are also seeking monthly donors to aid in our future endeavors. No amount is too small.
Shalonda Waggoner, Founder and President
By: Keeshala Henderson
