Deserving Decor

How it all began…

After the events of September 11, 2001, I decided I wanted to do something dramatically different with my life and began researching  new careers and reading books about following your bliss.

I left corporate life behind and started my journey with an online store selling vintage home decor and collectibles I found at auctions, flea markets and thrift stores, which I operated for two years.

In 2003, I decided I wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming an Interior Decorator and enrolled in an Interior Decorator certification program. I began working at a large family owned home decorating business and furnishings store. Sadly, the store closed a few years later. I decided to start my own interior decorating business.

Clients always asked what they could do with the furnishings they were replacing during a decorating project. I referred them to the few local non-profit thrift stores that were willing to take furniture. After years of seeing the amount of furniture and home décor, that was still in good condition, being discarded or sent to thrift stores. I knew there had to be another solution to recycling the furnishings.

I did some online research and found a local non-profit, Bucks County Housing Group, who provide transitional housing for the homeless. Transitional housing bridges the gap between a traditional homeless shelter and standard housing.

In March of 2008, I called and offered my services to help furnish and decorate the transitional shelter apartments. The woman I spoke with was very intrigued with the idea and we met the following day to discuss how the arrangement would work. After seeing the apartments I knew it was my calling. I discussed it with a few of my decorating colleagues, who I discovered were very anxious to help with the “makeover projects”, and Deserving Decor was born in May of 2008.

In June of 2008, we did our first makeover of a recently vacated one bedroom shelter apartment and I was hooked! By December of 2008, we had completed four apartments at the original shelter we agreed to help. It wasn’t long before we were working with the four additional shelter locations operated by the Bucks County Housing Group.

On February 16th, 2009 an article was published about Deserving Decor that appeared on the front page of the home section of three local newspapers. The flood gates opened and we started receiving unbelievable amounts of donated furnishings and volunteers. My home quickly became full of donated furniture and home decor. With the help of my colleagues (now Deserving Décor volunteers) we found our first storage unit.

In addition to the services we provide, there is a great deal of administrative work, as there is with any business. In the fall of 2009, I closed my Interior Decorating business and now volunteer full time running Deserving Decor.

In 2010, we Incorporated and received 501(c)3 tax exemption status. We also partnered with United Way of Bucks County  helping agencies with families in need.

We are currently looking for a donated warehouse to combine the contents of our 3 storage locations and consolidate all the donations we receive into one location.

We are unable to take large furniture donations because we don’t have the space to store furniture until we secure a warehouse. Please see our Donation page for items we are currently accepting.

I am very passionate about Deserving Decor’s mission; it is very humbling and rewarding. It is hectic and challenging at times but the rewards far outweigh the hardships. Providing families with a functional, comfortable and inviting space to call home is a heartwarming and gratifying experience.

Beth Baker, Founder & Executive Director
beth@deservingdecor.org
Mobile: 215-205-3199