From houses to homes: Humble Design's transformative makeovers

The Bridge Program partners with the Detroit arm of Humble Design to transform the living spaces of three participants into warm, welcoming homes.

Detroit MI (The Brige Program) — Excitement fills the room as members of the Bridge and Humble communities come together for a home reveal. They are excited to welcome participants and their families in a mix of happiness, relief, and comfort.

Humble Design helps change lives by designing and fully furnishing homes for people, families, and veterans who are moving out of homelessness. They work in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, and Seattle.

The Bridge Program started working with Humble Design's Detroit chapter in 2024. Their work focuses on helping participants feel strong and ready for the future. They help participants and their families create a fresh start and end homelessness.

Each reveal makes a house or apartment feel like home. Personal touches, like photos, cards, and small gifts, make the home special. The home is also decorated with things that match the family’s style, like books, toys, and artwork for kids and adults.

For every person, these changes bring a fresh start. The new space gives them a place to feel calm, strong, and hopeful.

Reveal One

May 2024

Emotions pour out as the Humble and Bridge teams share a special moment at this reveal. They are excited to open the door for a participant in a slew of joy, love, and happiness.

The participant was living by couch surfing and sleeping on the floor. A blanket, shoes and a backpack of personal items made up his belogings.

The Bridge team started engaging with the participant when they joined the program. The Bridge program guides participants in setting their own short-term and long-term goals across domains: employment & career, education, housing, physical and mental health, and ties to the community.

This empty apartment transformed into a home in a matter of hours. The real magic made behind the scenes. A week prior to the reveal the Humble Team delves into details, getting to know the participant and their personality. They carefully design the space to their taste, including thoughtful touches. Throughout, favorite books, art supplies, and letters adorned the space.

Tears filled everyone’s eyes as the participant opened the door to his room. At the sight of his own bed, letting out a sigh of relief.

Reveal Two

October 2024

A feeling of freedom spreads as a participant steps into their very own apartment, now a cozy home. This is their first time living alone, and the Humble and Bridge teams are happy to show them a creative, warm space.

For special touches, Humble added a cool statue and colorful decorations.

When it’s time to go, the teams head out, letting the participant take in their new home.

Reveal Three

January 2025

This reveal showed off the participant's style and personality. From fun animal prints to her favorite pink and red colors, everything was carefully picked to make the space feel like home.

After her old apartment was no longer safe to live in because of health problems, she lost almost everything she owned. Because of her special situation, Humble Design made sure she had a safe, welcoming place to start over.

As the participant settled into her space, the members of the Humble and Bridge communities quietly left, giving her the chance to enjoy her new home.

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