Homeless girls' lives improved through World Wide Staging Service Week Project

Chapter members and commercial affiliates gathered at the home for several days to paint, repair, and Stage the interior, transforming the house into a bright, welcoming and encouraging environment for the residents, who are girls, ages 16 to 21. The highlight of the project was hearing the reactions of the girls living in the home as they toured their improved surroundings. As Alexandra* walked through the front door, she exclaimed, “Oh my gosh! This is so nice. I love it. I love the color. It feels like a home.”

Randi Gurian, LCSW, Executive Director of The Harbour, said of the TLP residents, “They come from an environment of loss. It is so important, we have found over the years, to have the girls live in an environment that sends them a message of love. It lets them know they are cared for. A project like this helps model for them, that people in the community give back when they have the opportunity. To have such an opportunity to provide such a beautiful setting that you guys have created for our kids is just amazing. Thank you so much.”

Barb Schwarz, Founder and President of IAHSP and Stagedhomes.com, said, “It is with great enthusiasm and joy that we give back to the communities that we live and work in.” Schwarz coined the phrase “Think globally, act locally through the world of Home Staging” to be the theme for the World Wide Staging Service Week®.

The Transitional Living Program was established in 1988 and the Schaumburg location is one of six sites scattered throughout the north and northwest suburbs. The program provides

supervised living for homeless girls, as they develop skills that enhance school and vocational

success, competency and self-reliance.

*Name changed to protect privacy of minor.