History

The Designing Station was incorporated in 2005 to provide household furnishings to formerly homeless people as they move into housing.   Our founder, Cheri Smith, started this ministry in response to knowing people with little income and had an earnest need for furniture. 

When Hurrican Katrina hit, the need for The Designing Station became crystal clear. People were displaced all across our nation and our city. One such 21-year old girl shared her story of survival, mingled with tears, while  she and her 10-month-old were driven to their new aparment in the Bonnie Doone area.  Grateful for their lives, the young woman was in no condition to call around, locate, pickup or have delivered to her, the basic essential furnishings needed for her family.  The Designing Station was there to meet that need.  

Purpose has taken charge to impact the lives of those in need of basic essentials that make a house a home and sharing what is most important, The Father's Love. 

January 2012, Designing Station opened it's doors, thanks to Pastor Joe Garrett and the members of Williams Memorial Church of God in Christ. They allowed us to use 201 McDuffie Street - all 10,000 square feet - for this ministry.  

Many people believed in the mission long before it became visible.  We are forever grateful to the following:  Father who art in Heaven, Cheri's husband Gary, her son Kacey, her "Moms", Maizeville Brown, Vivian Davis, and Mary Battle; Jacquelyn Murphy, Gerry Clocher, Karen Moore, Karen Thompson, Pastors Alfonzo & Teresa McAllister, Pastors John & Vicci Adderly,  and our first board members; Bill Jennings, Board President; Guyla Wilkinson, Secretary; Patricia Eddy, Treasurer; Lisa Sessoms, Member; Advisory Board Members; Barbara Jennings, Michael Eddy, James Dill, Jerry Haire; and a host of amazing siblings, family, friends, and  volunteers that made it all possible. Thank you all so very much!