The Fuller Center for Housing provides students and community members the opportunity to give back by accepting unwanted clothing, furniture and household items.
Habitat for Humanity was converted into The Fuller Center for Housing, a three-unit business including the Fuller Center, Reuse Store and The Rabbit Hole, a newly launched boutique which sells used clothing, shoes and accessories.
Three employees and more than 60 volunteers who assist in the day-to-day operations, organization and selling components run the three-part system. The center welcomes materials of all qualities and categories.
“Anything you have in your house, your apartment or your life that you don’t want, you can drop it off here, and we’ll find a home for it,” said Kimi McDonald, retail manager. “We take everything from tile to doors to furniture to lighting.”
All profit from sales at the three stores are used to benefit those in need in Tangipahoa Parish. Donations are sold and recycled.  They benefit single moms, veterans and low-income families.
“Everything in here is donated,” added McDonald. “We sell it at a 30 to 60 percent retail value. People can come in and buy stuff for their projects that they need.  College students can come in and buy furniture very cheaply, as low as $25-50 for a couch. It’s great to furnish rental property. It’s great to furnish new homeowners and young couples just getting off of their feet. It’s great to do repairs for projects for a lower value. All the profit from the three stores goes to building low income housing for single moms, the elderly veterans and those in need in Tangipahoa Parish.”
The Rabbit Hole, launched in October, and was built from donated items including curtain rods, ceiling fans and damaged tables. The boutique was developed by and inspired by Pinterest.  McDonald is currently seeking interns and volunteers to assist in operating and promoting the store, hoping the “Pinterest-meets-clothing store” can become place for college students to use their skills in helping with design and promotion.  
“I would love marketing, fashion and consumer science college students to intern or volunteer,” said McDonald. “Whenever we can get individuals or groups, we love volunteers for almost anything.”
The center provides an alternative to disposing unwanted items and accepts donations through drop-offs onsite at 955 South Morrison Blvd. Pick-ups are also an option for those without equipment or transportation to deliver.
“We try to prevent as much stuff from going to landfills as possible,” said McDonald.
For more information on the Fuller Center for Housing organization, visit fullercenterforhousing.org/gingerfordnorthshore. Those interested in volunteering or interning should contact McDonald at reusestore@gingerfordnorthshore.org