Fresh Start

A collaborative effort with:

The Fresh Start Program offers vouchers for people facing tough situations, like transitioning out of homelessness, recovering from addiction, escaping domestic violence, or dealing with other challenges. These vouchers can be used at the ReStore to buy essential furniture, helping participants focus their finances on other important needs.

We partner with several local organizations, including Wyoming 211, Climb Wyoming, Community Action of Laramie County, Family Promise, Needs Inc., Unaccompanied Students Initiative, Safehouse Services, Recover Wyoming, Veterans’ Rock, and Volunteers of America of Northern Rockies.

"My family was homeless, and we lost everything in the process.  Within a few days of staying at the shelter I was able to get a job and my kids into school.  After a couple months, I was able to  find a place with the help of Community Action.  I didn’t have any furniture since we’d lost everything.  I got a Fresh Start Voucher for Habitat Restore and was able to secure most of the furniture needed for my new apartment.  Not only that but I was able to get small things like lamps and pictures to make it feel homier.  I am so grateful that I had that resource."

"I had most of the furniture I needed but my armchair was beginning to break, and I couldn’t sit straight in it.  I was having back surgery soon and needed my chair to not only sit in, but to also sleep in.  I was able to get a Fresh Start Voucher and pick out a new armchair before my surgery, so I’d have a comfortable place for recovery.  Since I am on a fixed income, I would not have been able to afford a brand-new chair.  The chair I got at Habitat appeared barely used."

Help your neighbors with a Fresh Start by donating items to the ReStore or donating directly to the program.