Facilities Manager, Keith Pederson’s goals were threefold when organizing the Grace House Garage Sale held this past Saturday and Sunday. First, he needed to get rid of excess items to free up space and meet city codes for the seven Clare Housing facilities. His second goal was to earn money for repairs needed at Grace House 1 and to cover any costs incurred by the sale. The last and most important goal was to reach out and connect with Grace House neighbors in order to establish communication and a sense of community within the neighborhood.

Volunteers Alex, Mary Jo, Jessie, Michelle and Keith Pederson seated on a couch for sale outside of Grace House 1

It had been several years since the last garage sale was held at Grace House and as a result, many items had accumulated and were stacked in the basements, garages and storage rooms within the facilities. As items were donated, old items were replaced by newer ones. The older items were then put into storage. “We needed to clean house and earn money to make repairs. A good way to do this was by having a garage sale.” explained Pederson.

In addition to the items brought in from the different facilities, individual donations as well as donations from parishioners of St. Joan of Arc were given. Furniture, electronics, household items, clothing and a great selection of books and record albums were among the many treasures for sale.

Business was great with many bargain shoppers stopping by and leaving with filled grocery bags. Although many people came into the neighborhood for the sale, most of the customers were neighbors of the two Grace Houses and this helped Pederson and his staff meet his third goal; to connect with the neighborhood and gain a sense of community. As a result, he and his staff have become acquainted with more neighbors and recruited new volunteers. He has also earned over $2,000 for the much needed repairs.

Many staff members volunteered their time to help set up and sell the merchandise as well as network and welcome shoppers and browsers to the event. “It was a huge effort by many staff members and volunteers who care about the people our facilities help,” said Pederson. “Everyone connected to our facilities comes from different walks of life. They are amazing, incredible people who have compassion and the desire to make a difference.” Pederson also wanted to acknowledge and thank the U-Haul Company on 36th and Nicolett for donating trucks to bring the items from all the Clare Housing locations to Grace House.

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Trish Keating lives in St. Paul and joined St. Joan’s in 2006. She has volunteered with the hospitality committee and is now writing articles for the SJA Web page. She has a children’s book and several poems published. Although she loves to write, her daughters and granddaughters are her passion. “They help me to live in gratitude everyday.” She also has two dogs, Howard and Allie and can be seen walking them along the river in St. Paul.

The sale ended with tired but delighted volunteers. As the group discussed the event and the gratitude they felt for its success, the topic of abundance and how important it is to share that which we have was discussed. Pederson said they talked about it and were pleased when an immigrant family happened by and he was able to give them furniture and household items to furnish their home. “It was like synchronicity, we had things to donate and they needed them,” said Pederson.

About Clare Housing Clare Housing endeavors to provide compassionate care, a safe and peaceful environment, and comfortable accommodations to persons coping with the disabilities of HIV/AIDS. Clare Apartments: Provides independent and affordable living for people living with HIV/AIDS. Adult Foster Care Homes: The six homes each provide housing for four residents and provide the three levels of care listed below. Stabilization: For those who need time to regain strength, learn daily living skills and medication management. Fulltime assisted care: For those who are no longer able to live independently or safely in the community due to physical or mental impairment. End of life care: For those who need a comfortable and supportive atmosphere in which to spend their final time.