By Anna Skinner
Natalia Blondet’s mission is to assure people who are getting back on their feet that have a place to call home. Although those in need such as veterans, formerly homeless, victims of fires, natural disasters, domestic violence victims, low-income families and the elderly might have a house, Blondet said they should be able to call it a home.
Blondet was named executive director of The Mustard Seed of Central Indiana Furniture Bank in September, and she has made moves to transform the warehouse and raise funds for the nonprofit . Individuals or families in need are assessed by Blondet or a social service agency to clarify what is needed in the house, and then they visit the furniture bank.
“That’s the type of family we work with, the kind that are trying their best and have a place to stay, but the next challenge is furniture,” Blondet said. “It was great to be a part of that work with other social service agencies where they know the ones in need, and all those people are headed in the right direction.”
After the evaluation, families visit the warehouse with a list of what they need and can ‘shop’ for the items for a $100 fee. Items include mattresses, dressers, bookcases, dishes, chairs, tables and more.
“We have a $100 fee because we can’t keep the warehouse if not for these funds. But even for $100, you cannot receive what you will receive here at Goodwill or Salvation Army or any other place,” Blondet said.
Warehouse visits are a one-time opportunity for families, ensuring the nonprofit will not be taken advantage of. Besides helping supply families with household items, Blondet tries to create an actual shopping experience by setting up displays, such as a kitchen table display, cabinets filled with dishes and bathroom vanities. She said she wants people to retain their dignity while shopping for what they need.
“These are people who have finally found a place to stay, and most of the time, they have the income for their rent or wherever they’re staying, but the next challenge would be to have furniture,” she said. “Furniture is the part that makes it a home. There is nothing more awful than coming home to an empty place.”
Blondet is organizing the nonprofit’s first fundraiser by selling shoes to Soles4Souls, which takes the shoes to Haiti and donates to those trying to start a business while also teaching them business skills. To raise $3,000, Blondet needs 300 bags filled with 25 pairs of gently used shoes each, for a total of 7,500 pairs. She currently has 300 pairs.
There are five donation sites, including the furniture bank. Blondet is accepting donations through Jan. 31.
For more, visit mustardseedindy.org.
Origin of the Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed began in central Florida when Carol Kane was collecting furniture in her garage to give to the homeless. Chuck McNulty met Kane while selling encyclopedias, and her mission resonated with him. He brought the idea to Indiana and launched Mustard Seeds in Ft. Wayne and Fishers. The Mustard Seed of Central Indiana in Fishers began in 2014.
Natalia Blondet, executive director, said much of her passion stems from her previous career as a teacher.
“I was formerly a teacher, and one thing I know is when a child can rest well, when they feel safe in their home, they do well academically,” Blondet said. “We want to make sure the families are well and make sure their place is a home and not just another place they go to.
“I love being a part of something that’s bigger than me.”
Donation sites for gently used shoes
- Furniture bank: 10080 E. 121st St., Suite 145, Fishers.
- Discovery Church: 10080 E. 121st St. Suite 130a, Fishers.
- YMCA: 9012 E. 126th St., Fishers.
- Horizon Fellowship Church: 7702 Indian Lake Rd., Indianapolis.
- Open Door Methodist Church: 20545 Riverwood Ave., Noblesville.
