New Orleans-themed auction benefits homeless

Fest” featuring furniture displays, live music, “Nest food, a design contest and auction, all with a New Orleans theme, will be held at the Bossier Civic Center from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Noel Haacker, founder and executive director of Renesting Project Inc., decided to stop being an interior designer, close her business and create a nonprofit to help those transitioning from homelessness to home.

Renesting’s big fund-raising event is the annual Nest Fest. From dancing to live jazz, strolling “street performers,” to great cuisine, it has become a memorable night for all involved with all proceeds going to Renesting. Tickets for groups or individuals can be purchased at Renesting’s Web site.

A slew of items and experiences will be auctioned off including gift certificates to restaurants, jewelry, furniture, all types of household items and even vacation timeshares.

Renesting works with approximately 25 agencies including Caddo Parish Schools, the Volunteers Of America Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and HOPE Connections, which screen and vet applicants who need just one or two items or the entire contents of their home.

“Each agency serves a different demographic so our service reach is broad, ranging from children to senior citizens, families and singles, male and female, veterans, mentally or physically disabled, employable and unemployable and everything in between,” Haacker said. So far, they number more than 1,400, and she has developed quite a following.

“I love that I am recognized on the streets by those we have served. I am known as the ‘Furniture Lady,’” Haacker said.

“One day while waiting to meet a case manager and their client, a man approached my car, knocked on my window and asked if I was with Renesting or the FBI. Turned out, he lived in the apartment under the client I was to visit that day. This man (a former homeless veteran helped by Renesting) was waiting in the hall until we finished, delighted to show me how ‘homey’ his home really was. As an interior designer, it just doesn’t get any better than that,” Haacker said. Recipients are charged nothing for what they receive.

“Items donated come from all over our community from all walks of life and income levels. We strive to provide the best quality we can,” Haacker said. Furniture and household items can be dropped off at Renesting’s distribution center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and from 8-11 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at 1303 Driftwood Drive, Bossier City.

Each Tuesday and Thursday about 15 to 20 volunteers show up at the distribution center to clean, refurbish or repurpose furniture and household items to make them ready for new clients. Renesting selects the pieces they receive from a list drawn up by the homeless client and the helping agency.

“The community’s attendance and continued support of Nest Fest allows Renesting Project to fulfill the mission of serving families and individuals transitioning from homelessness to hopefulness in Northwest Louisiana,” Haacker said. “Renesting Project does not receive state or federal funds so the community’s generosity is essential to our very existence.” The fund-raiser is sponsored in part by Crawford Design Group, Willis-Knighton Health System and Zaxby’s.

– Kathleen Ward