Shalonda and her young daughter stood in the doorway of the empty apartment. Home. A safe home. It was a home that was far from the domestic abuse she had known just weeks ago. Stunned by the generosity of a family who had simply handed her the keys, no strings attached, Shalonda hadn’t thought about the need for furniture, much less pillows or a trash can. She was simply happy to have a place to call her own.
Photo by Hunter Folsom.
On leave from her career as an American Airlines flight attendant, Shalonda was eager to make good use of the hours her daughter was in school. Every day she walked a short distance from her apartment to the Covenant Church garage sale warehouse. A garage sale event was coming up and they needed help sorting through the items, and she was more than willing to lend a hand. After several days, the other volunteers learned Shalonda’s story and started sending things home with her each afternoon. She was happy to receive the items, and as she began arranging them in her new home she referred to the new-to-her treasures as “love decor.”
Shalonda could easily see the difference that these home goods had made in her life, but she was still surprised when she felt a call from God to help other women coming out of abuse in the same way. But she knew it was the right path, and as she began sharing her vision with friends and family, items began showing up at her door. First it was a rug and small trash can, and then gradually more and more furniture and decor was provided. Simultaneously, Shalonda began speaking to and partnering with other community organizations to help launch her idea into reality. Connections at Dwell with Dignity provided inspiration for her program, and the staff at Denton County Friends of the Family provided her with the clients who needed her services.
When it came time to give her new organization a name, Shalonda opened her Bible. She read Haggai 2:9 and felt an immediate connection to her own story and her new mission.
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.
LatterHouse Decor was born. Shalonda now works with a interior decorator, using donated items and furniture found at local garage sales to finish each project. Since they began in June 2015, LatterHouse Decor has completed seven installations and is waiting on an eighth client to receive her keys. Their work is focused specifically on women and children who are coming out of abusive situations, and Shalonda’s own story of survival is now one of advocacy. Whether she is at work, with her family, or with a Latterhouse client, her life is a conduit of help and hope.
Are you interested in getting involved at LatterHouse Decor? Please visit their volunteer page to see their current needs and opportunities.
If you know someone who is Doing Good in Dallas, we’d love to hear about it! Share their story with us.
