Tennessee Tech students and faculty redesigned a room at the Cookeville Rescue Mission, a project they said shares love with women in need.
Project Lead Amy Hill said she was inspired to create the project by “A Lotta Love,” an organization that helps homeless shelters better the mental health of the residents. Hill said she wanted to do something similar and brighten up the space.
“At any time could be in a situation where we needed the services of the Rescue Mission,” Hill said. “And so their work is important, and I just feel like if I have something, you know, if I’ve been blessed by something, it’s kind of my responsibly to give back.”
School of Human Ecology Lecturer Aeric Gunnels and a few of his interior design students pitched in on the project. Students began by meeting through zoom calls, then gradually met in person and saw the living quarters for the women. The students became determined to provide a better room, even offering to buy bed sheets and pillowcases out-of-pocket.
Students went to the Habitat for Humanity, looking for items. The students put together a mood board with colors for the area, coordinated items to buy and installed the objects in the dorm rooms as well.
“I really think they got a lot out of it,” Hill said. “And I think they were really doing it out of the sincere desire to help someone else.”
Hill said some of the students hope to continue this type of outreach. Hill said the students had a clear desire to help and provide for the community once the project was over, as well.
I just think that it sparked something in the students, you know,” Hill said. “And it really shows how Tech students are willing to give back and do things out of the goodness of their heart.”
Hill is the founder of DreamChasers Ministry.