More than a Roof: Creating Homes with Heart in Fargo
Every day, families transition out of homelessness. While they may gain a roof over their head, many start over with nothing: no beds, no furniture, no sense of comfort. That is where Down Home, a nonprofit of Fargo, ND, steps in. At Down Home, they believe that a house becomes a home not just with furniture, but with a sense of belonging and hopefulness. Down Homes’ mission is to empower lives and stabilize individuals, helping families emerging from homelessness by furnishing homes and strengthening connections.
After speaking with Kelsie Moch, Ops Risk Supervisor at Choice Bank, we are pleased to tell you about Down Homes’ extraordinary mission in the heart of Fargo, and how Choice Bank helped aid this great organization.
“We want people’s space to feel like this is a safe place to come home to and rest and unwind at the end of the day,” Kelsie said. This is exactly what Down Home delivers. Turning a shelter into a home by furnishing these spaces. They provide everything from beds and couches to kitchenware and décor. This turns bare, empty apartments into places of comfort and pride for families. Kelsie says, “What we see from this is that it truly helps to end the cycle of homelessness.”
Recently, Choice Bank sponsored its first move-in with Down Home, transforming an empty space into a beautiful home.
“The move-in was extremely rewarding and impactful for our entire team,” Eddie Sheeley, Fargo Market President, said. “The Down Home team was incredibly efficient and had everything ready for us to set our afternoon up for success. Working together as a team alongside Down Home, transforming a space into a home, was humbling and powerful. We are excited to participate in future move-ins so additional team members can partake in this experience and see firsthand the transformational work Down Home is doing in our community.”
Down Home also does a “Good Night Sleep Challenge,” which invites participants to sleep on the floor for one night to better understand the reality faced by many families.
“It is just so cool to see how quickly our Choice employees jumped on board with the idea of providing that good in the community. I think that speaks so much, not only to what Down Home is doing, but also to how passionate all our Choice Team Members are about doing good in the community.” Kelsie expressed.
Another Impactful initiative the Down Home does is a program called the “Empower Up Program.” This exists for people who have experienced homelessness and are looking to further connect and stabilize our community.
“There are always ways to support in the community,” voiced Kelsie. Down Home is always taking donations and has an updated wish list on their website of items they are currently in need of. Kelsie exclaimed, “It’s been super rewarding and exciting to be a part of something like this, see the impact it’s having in the community, and the perspective that it’s giving.”
Down Home and Choice Bank are transforming lives: one home, one heart, one hopeful beginning at a time. Whether it’s through a furnished room, a night spent on the floor in solidarity, or empowerment through connection, every act of kindness helps break the cycle of homelessness. You can be part of that change. Visit Down Home’s page to explore ways you can support, donate, and learn more about this inspiring mission.
Choice Bank is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic viability of families and businesses in the communities we serve. Learn more about how we live out our #PeopleFirst promise.