A Dream
In 2007, Ginny Jones, a United Methodist from Carlisle, had a dream of creating a place where individuals with mental health problems could receive home furnishings for their residence, completely free.The Reality
 |
| Ginny Jones |
Ginny started collecting furniture that she saw discarded along the roadside and storing it on her front porch. Her collection quickly outgrew the space, so a friend recommended she seek out storage space at the Mission Central warehouse in Mechanicsburg. They supported Ginny’s mission by giving her a dozen pallets to store her finds.
Her dream was named New Digs.
Word spread quickly across the mental health network in Cumberland and Dauphin counties, causing her to seek out more space and more help. Soon, a Board of Directors was formed and the mission became New Digs Ministry, Inc.
Today, New Digs occupies a sizable corner of Mission Central, with furniture overflowing into the aisles. It has expanded to assist a variety of different people in need, from those recovering from physical losses, such as fires or floods, to migrants, and those starting over after rehabilitation, prison, domestic violence shelters, homelessness, and so on. Most recently, the ministry has received most of their referrals for U.S. Veterans returning from combat and working through rehabilitation and reintegration. Items available to clients include:
- Furniture - couches, dressers, tables, chairs, and beds
- Mattresses and box springs
- Pots and pans
- Dishes, utensils, and glassware
- Bakeware
- Small appliances and lamps
- Sheets and blankets
- Towels
- Limited larger appliances
In 2017, New Digs distributed over $943,000 worth of furniture and household items to more than 692 families (over 2,200 individuals.) In 2016, New Digs volunteers donated over 8,000 hours.
Starting Over
A person or family in need is referred to New Digs through a network of 50+ referring agencies, primarily in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties, including pastors, hospital staff, social workers, and other community organizations. After referral verification, the person schedules an appointment at New Digs and goes to Mission Central to work with volunteers who help them select the furniture, appliances, and household items they most need. They have one week to pick up their items.
God Moments
As with any vital ministry there are many moments where God is seen at work, often in unexpected ways. New Digs and the volunteers receive many expressions of gratitude, from letters, to verbal thanks, tears, hugs, smiles and kisses.Board President Marsha Fisher shared a story of a 6’6” veteran who just wanted a bed that he could fit in. New Digs had just received two twin box springs, but had no mattress. While the veteran was there they received a call from a donor with a 3-month-old king-size mattress. When told of the need that it met, the donor happily delivered it directly to the veteran’s house!
A mother from Harrisburg, with four children, made it to her appointment at New Digs even though her car had been stolen the previous night. She selected her items and was struggling to find a way to get them home. Marsha stepped in and called a hauler named Scott. With a laundry list of conditions to be met (cash, no waiting, no loading...), Scott reluctantly agreed to transport the items. Marsha made all the arrangements and arrived early to make sure volunteers were ready to load the truck. When confronted with some attitude from Scott, Marsha said, “My heart is overjoyed and so full of love at being able to help this woman. I can’t believe you don’t feel the same way. That’s gotta make you feel good!”
Scott pondered what Marsha had said and later pulled her aside to say, “Thank you. You changed my heart.” He cheerfully helped unload the truck, and he even called his brother to tell of his experience.
Delivery of items is not usually part of the New Digs Ministry, but Marsha responded to God’s leading throughout the day, and the client’s life wasn’t the only one changed. Marsha paid Scott generously and promised to call on his services again, to which he readily agreed.
Greatest Needs
New Digs Ministry is most in need of volunteers. They would like to expand their hours (currently Mon., Wed., and Fri., 9am - 12pm) to meet increased client needs, but cannot do it without more volunteers. Donations of furniture and household items are made by appointment. Currently they are overflowing their space.Monetary donations would be welcomed to help with special circumstances such as helping transport items to a clients home.
For more information visit www.NewDigsMinistry.org, email info@newdigsministry.org or call 717-620-9735
