Realtors Help Homeless

Photo Credit: poemsandnovels.blogspot.com/

Throughout this holiday season in particular, many people are suffering more than usual and local businesses and community members are trying to help out in any way that they can. For some, this simply means donating the services that they charge for on a daily basis. ‘Tis the season to be helpful and realtors are getting into the holiday spirit by helping local homeless families. How are they doing this? Realtors are using their interior design skills to renovate rooms at a local shelter.

Real estate agents and staff members of Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties have been volunteering their time and service for the last three weeks to make the shelter for women and families – the Institute for Human Services – a better place to be. Through the use their contacts in the business as well as their eye for design, the volunteers have set to renovating specifically two rooms at the shelter.

Through a program entitled “Agents for Change,” the volunteers from Coldwell began their initiative through this ten thousand dollar project to help the homeless by utilizing their talents. Reaching out to contractors, the agents are working modernizing and upgrading the family room and the children’s learning center at the Institute for Human Services.

Robyn Schaefer, a realtor at Coldwell and the project manager noted the following: “The shelter does so many good things with the children and the families in getting them back on their feet. We’re just trying to enhance the environment. Try to make it feel more homey, clean and comfortable.”

The volunteers from Coldwell have done everything in this project – they have planned the design of the room, painted walls, color-coordinated themes, purchased furniture, fixed furniture, etc. Contracts who are helping the volunteers from Coldwell have donated their time with regards to the tasks that require a skilled professional – removing ceilings, designing wall arches, etc.

According to Coldwell, there have been dozens of volunteers from their staff and their agents who have either raised money for the effort or who have helped specifically with the renovation itself. In fact, some of the agents and staff members also brought family members along with them to help, as well. Sara Buck, 13, and Anthony Pantaleo, 15, both children of employees of Coldwell, helped their parents in the renovation project, garnering some community service and doing something good for those who are not as fortunate.

The Institute for Human Services is a twenty-four hour shelter that provides the following services: shelter for the homeless, emergency services such as food, clothing, etc., health care, support services, education and employment, and special support such as legal consultation, headstart, parenting education, etc. Serving the area since 1978, founded by Reverend Claude Du Teil, the Institute for Human Services’ mission, as cited by their web site, is to provide “respite for those who are unsheltered and solutions that transform the lives of homeless and at-risk people.” To make donations or to inquire about services, please visit IHS at their web site – www.ihshawaii.org.