A Chicago-based non-profit is changing lives by transforming empty spaces into homes for families in need. Digs With Dignity, a unique organization that blends compassion with sustainability, has provided fully furnished living spaces for hundreds of families who were recently homeless while keeping furniture and home goods out of landfills.
Operating out of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse stocked with donated items, Digs With Dignity ensures that families moving out of shelters have everything they need to make their new house a home. From large furniture like beds and dressers to smaller details such as linens, artwork, and decorations, the organization’s efforts provide more than just physical items—they offer hope and a fresh start.
“It’s a well-oiled machine in the warehouse,” said Kim Hannay, the organization’s executive director. The process begins with referrals from social service agencies, which connect families with Digs With Dignity after securing housing for them. The team meets with each family to create custom floorplans and wish lists tailored to their specific needs. In about a week, their new home is ready.
One recent success story involved a family of four—a mom, dad, and their two young children—who moved from a shelter to an unfurnished apartment. “They move in with just a couple of bags of clothes, maybe an air mattress,” Hannay explained. The organization provided everything they needed, down to the smallest details, to transform their empty apartment into a welcoming home.
To ensure all items are in excellent condition, repair specialist Jan Claiborne works tirelessly to refurbish donated goods. “I fix stuff. That’s what I do,” Claiborne said, describing his role in restoring furniture and home goods to a like-new state before they are delivered to families.
On move-in day, the team sets up the entire home while the family is away. When the family returns, they find a fully furnished and decorated space waiting for them. The moment is often emotional, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Since its founding five years ago, Digs With Dignity has completed more than 200 home transformations, including 47 in 2024 alone. The impact of their work extends beyond material goods, offering families a sense of stability and dignity.
“This work is helping families move forward, get jobs, and retain their housing,” Hannay said. For many families, having a safe and comfortable home is a critical first step toward rebuilding their lives.
For client liaison Okeisha Winston, the organization’s mission is personal. Winston once faced homelessness, domestic violence, and addiction but turned her life around with the help of Digs With Dignity. After securing stable housing, the non-profit transformed her apartment into a home.
“I couldn’t believe it. My eyes were so big,” Winston recalled. Now, four years clean and sober, she works for the organization, helping others find the same sense of belonging. “My adrenaline gets pumping knowing I’m doing for others what they did for me.”
Winston highlights the importance of seemingly simple items, like a bed. “Some clients never had a bed of their own. Everyone deserves to say, ‘This is my bed, and I can sleep in peace,’” she said.
The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteers. While the warehouse is stocked with essentials, there is always a need for specific items like pillows, bedding, and lamps. Volunteers play a vital role in designing, decorating, and assisting with moves. Currently, Digs With Dignity completes one home transformation each week but aims to double that in 2025.
Hannay called the project a vital initiative for equity and sustainability. “This is about giving families the foundation they need to thrive and ensuring they feel proud of their homes,” she said.
As Chicagoans, we celebrate organizations like Digs With Dignity that bring hope and transformation to our communities. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.
