Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Multiple Corners of Industry Embark on Mission in El Salvador
October 12,
2023 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry 
In a remarkable display of compassion and unity, a group of dedicated individuals from various corners of the furniture industry embarked on a life-changing mission to provide hope and shelter to those in need.
This journey took place in the San Vicente area of El Salvador from Sept 23 to 30 and was orchestrated in collaboration with Shelter Helps. www.shelterhelps.com
The key participants from the furniture industry included Kenny Luthy & Ricardo Canales of Suburban Furniture, Bobby and Lori Infinger of Infinger Furniture, Claudia LeClair and Taylor Levit of Fiesta Furnishings, Zach Basner, a Sales & Marketing coach from Impacting Branding & Marketing, Ted Sherman, a Sales Representative from Sherrill Furniture, and Jeff McElheran of McElheran's Furniture, based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Their mission? To transform the lives of those in El Salvador who lacked the basic security of a safe and secure home. While the furniture industry is known for helping people create homes they love, the group recognized that some individuals didn't even have a door they could lock or a roof to keep out the rain.
Over the course of this one-week journey, the team successfully built 15 simple yet sturdy galvanized metal homes, providing safe and secure housing for approximately 60 people in need. Each house not only represents shelter but also a symbol of hope and solidarity.
One heartwarming story that emerged from the trip is that of Willan, a 45-year-old farmer who has faced numerous challenges. Despite losing one eye due to a growth and surviving a coral snake bite, Willan maintains an unwavering positive spirit.
Willan lovingly cares for his wife, Guadalupe, and her son, Leandro, who became paralyzed in an accident. Willan's resilience and love for his family left an indelible mark on the team, teaching them the value of positivity and unconditional love.
Shelter Helps, an organization committed to transforming lives through housing, played a significant role in making this mission possible. The $3000 USD cost of each house not only covered the construction but also provided employment opportunities for approximately 50 Salvadoran individuals involved in various aspects of the organization.
The impact of this journey is immeasurable. Fifteen families now have a secure and dry place to call home, protecting them from the elements and providing a sense of security for their belongings. Importantly, they know that they are not forgotten, as the compassion and generosity of the furniture retailers have touched their lives.
Jeff McElheran, a dedicated participant who has been involved with Shelter Helps for a decade, expressed his commitment to continuing these transformative journeys and welcomes conversations with anyone interested in joining the cause.