What is Project Fresh Start?

Project Fresh Start helps furnish home by collecting, sorting, and storing gently used or new household items and redistributing them to individuals in need. At its soul our mission is about community. Building it, enriching it, and giving back to it. Community is what makes Project Fresh Start possible and allows us to empower so many new beginnings. We are entirely donation and volunteer based, so the constant infusion of community support is what keeps us running. If helping individuals transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing is a mission that resonates with you, please consider volunteering with us or donating your gently used household goods to those

Our History

Project Fresh Start began in 2008 at South Parish Congregational Church in Augusta where the idea of providing free household items to people starting over was born. A dedicated group began the collection of small items and took on the task of getting those items out into the hands of people in need. In 2017, Norman Pomerleau, President of NRF Distributors, donated warehouse space and began the support of Project Fresh Start as a formal community outreach program of NRF. Over the years, Project Fresh Start has had the support of the greater Augusta community- The United Way, Bridging the Gap, The Family Violence Program, Maine Veterans in Need, The Augusta Food Bank, Augusta Recovery Reentry Center, The Capital Area New Mainers Project, and many, many individuals, case managers, donors, and volunteers. As Project Fresh Start grows, we look forward to even more partnerships and relationships which will further strengthen our community and provide help to those most vulnerable.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Make a Physical Donation: Email or call to coordinate donations. We share space and the overhang leaks so please do not leave things outside our door. Make a Monetary Donation: Tax deductible donations can be made out to Project Fresh Start and mailed to our P O Box. Watch for our online donation feature on our website. Send a Referral: Do you know someone who is starting over and needs basic household items? Or an individual who works with those trying to rebuild their lives? Spread the word so we can help more people! Volunteer: Project Fresh Start would not be what it is today without the volunteers who give selflessly of their time and talents. They know who they are, and they keep the heart of our organization beating. We are always looking for individuals to help keep things running smoothly. Volunteers participate as often as they want with a wide variety of tasks to choose from.

WHAT KIND OF ITEMs DO WE COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE? ITEMS WE DO NOT TAKE INCLUDE:

THE ITEMS WE TRY TO HAVE AVAILABLE FOR CLIENTS ARE: Kitchen: Small tables & chair sets, silverware, glasses, plates, bowls, bakeware, dishpans, utensils, coffee pots, teapots, toasters, microwaves & carts, pots & pans, can openers, blenders, hot mitts, dish towels & cloths Bathroom: Towels, face cloths, shower curtains, shower rings, new toilet brushes, and small mirrors Bedroom: New or clean mattresses and box springs, platform beds, bureaus, metal bedframes, night stands, table lamps, warm blankets, clean sheets, and new pillows Living Room: Lamps, small tables, coffee tables, recliners, sofas, rocking chairs, comfy chairs, and footstools Other items our clients often find useful: air conditioners, fans, student desks (not large), ergonomic office chairs, bookcases, storage cubes, storage bins, clocks, clock radios, framed art work, irons, curtains, and clothes hangers Non-essential Items: Items that are more decorative than essential will be put out on our limited shelf space and then become part of a yard sale (free will donation) to raise money for new items like pillows, toilet brushes and towels.