Lt. Erin Dietz recently discovered that she can use her stress-relieving hobby to help formerly homeless families. She finds and refinishes used furniture and donates them to families who have found permanent housing with the help of the Metro Transit Police Department's Homeless Action Team (HAT).
To date, she's donated two dining table sets she refinished along with another set in good condition to three families. To find homes for the dining sets, Dietz contacted Carol LaFleur, the police department's associate community outreach coordinator and HAT member. LaFleur worked with Capt. Brooke Blakey to identify families who recently moved into permanent housing and needed furniture. The team delivered the furniture to their new homes.
“One family had no furniture other than the table we gave them,” Dietz said.
As word spread, people began donating gift cards. Dietz used some of the money to create Thanksgiving food baskets to accompany each set of tables and chairs.
“Carol and I then thought about making holiday food baskets for other families in need. Carol coordinated a Facebook page for donations for the baskets. We received enough gift card donations to make 22 baskets. I was able to make these baskets in my spare time and fill them with fixings for holiday side dishes and a gift card for other grocery items needed,” Dietz said.
The 22 baskets will be distributed in advance of the December holidays to families known to HAT. The team continues working with people after they move into permanent housing. She also added gift cards in small amounts to “blessing bags” of snacks, toiletries, and other little necessities that officers give people who seek shelter on trains and buses.
From Council Chair Charlie Zelle: Safe shelter in a pandemic
Previously: Transit Police, partners helping families in need