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A Lotta Love transforms shelter environments into safe, dignified, and inspiring spaces through trauma-informed design. We work in homeless shelters, crisis centers, and children’s homes across North Carolina. Our goal is to create spaces where people in temporary housing feel more than just housed, they feel safe, valued, and supported.
A Lotta Love addresses the need for dignity, comfort, safety, and healing within homeless shelters. While many shelters provide basic necessities like food and temporary housing, the physical environments are often institutional, impersonal, and stressful conditions that can hinder emotional recovery and reinforce a sense of instability.
We believe in bringing the following values into every aspect of our work:
Evidence-Based Practice: We know that spaces have the power to shape how people feel. That’s why we use our proven trauma-informed design model to create environments rooted in safety, calm, and care. Every detail is chosen with intention to help families exhale, feel safe and loved, and experience a sense of normalcy, so they can begin to heal. When a space feels welcoming and comforting, it reminds people: you matter, and you deserve a place that reflects your worth.

All You Need Is Love

A Lotta Love

Karma Keg

Join volunteer interest list for upcoming opportunities

Volunteer as a group for room transformations

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View Research Paper

Best Furniture for Shelter Rooms: 8 Safe, Durable Picks

11 Facility Walk-Through Checklist for Shelter Redesign

Creating Child-Friendly Shelter Spaces in Family Shelters

14 Domestic Violence Shelter Common Room Ideas

Trauma-Informed Paint Colors for Shelter Spaces

Trauma-Informed Design for Safe, Healing Shelter Spaces

Tina Clossick

Heloisa Bickmore

Jennifer Galloway

Leslie May

Dawn Milgrom

Emily Gingrich

Today's makeover hack shows you how to create a gallery wall! Anyone can use this simple hack to design personalized wall art. We love to use this during our room makeovers to instantly add a pop of color and unique personality to any room! This makeover hack had special help from our founder, Lotta (@lottasjoelin) and two volunteers from the Freudenberg Group (@freudenberg.group)! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #FreudenbergGroup

Last month, a group of volunteers helped us reorganize some of our storage units where we keep all of our makeover supplies! These units were definitely in need of some attention and organization, so we are grateful for volunteers who are willing to get involved in an unusual project! Special thanks to the volunteers from @ophiaunc and local realtor, Paul Overmann (@paulovermannrealtor) #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #PaulOvermannRealtor

Special thank you to the various businesses and individuals who have donated to our All You Need is Love Silent Auction! This event would not be possible without the support of our local community! @hotworx @seraphinedurham @nanasteak @thecrunkleton @starbucks @vietriinc @canes @orangetheory @reliablejewelry @feelbetteryoga @eastcutsandwich @munsonlawfirmnc @kbarrettstyling @dynamic_massage_bodywork @itslistof @yogaexplorer_org @hoperenovations @rapidresultsfitnessdurham NeatNess Home Organizing LLC #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedisLove

Some of our awesome supporters recently transformed a large community space, a patio, and a small quiet room at HomeStart in Chapel Hill! Special thank you to Team Lead, Tessa Johnson (@sellinganddesigning), Founder, Lotta Sjöelin (@lottasjoelin), and Volunteer Rose Lynn Wild (@roselynnwild) for all their work in coordinating and facilitating the different aspects of this makeover! #ALottaLoveInc #HomeStartNC #TraumaInformedDesign

A huge thank you to our corporate event sponsors who have committed to making "All You Need Is Love" an incredible night! Their generosity helps bring this celebration to life and supports the work at the heart of A Lotta Love. Join them in supporting A Lotta Love and be part of an evening filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way. Tickets are available at alottalove.org #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

Every gift, no matter the size, helps transform a shelter room into a welcoming haven filled with the comforts of home. It currently costs about $850 to fully renovate a single shelter room, which provides a family of four with: - New pillows, sheets, comforters, and towels - Toiletries and storage solutions - Rugs, artwork, and cozy touches like stuffed animals or blankets for children - A refreshed space with paint, small furnishings, cleaning, and minor repairs We need your help to continue serving our local community, especially during the holidays. To donate, visit alottalove.org/donate/ on our website. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign

A Lotta Love recently partnered with UNC's chapter of Alpha Chi Omega (@uncaxo) to transform two rooms at Durham Rescue Mission (@rescuemissionsnc) for a mother and her two children❤️ We are so grateful to UNC AXO for their help and continuous commitment to our mission!✨️ #ALottaLoveInc #UNCAXO #TraumaInformedDesign

A huge THANK YOU to the Lowe's of Chapel Hill team (@loweshomeimprovement) for their incredible donation of paint and painting supplies! We were able to use the donated materials at recent makeovers of indoor and outdoor spaces at HomeStart in Chapel Hill! Our work would not be possible without the generosity of companies like Lowe's, and we are so grateful for their commitment to bettering our local community! #ALottaLoveInc #LowesHomeImprovement #TraumaInformedDesign

The countdown is on! We're less than a month away from "All You Need Is Love", and we can't wait to celebrate with you! 🎟️ Tickets are available now! Don't miss your chance to be part of this special night. Join us for an incredible evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while helping A Lotta Love transform more shelter spaces into safe, welcoming places where people can begin again. 🎁 Silent auction donations are still being accepted! Have an experience, gift certificate, or special item you'd like to contribute? We'd love to hear from you! Get your tickets at alottalove.org or reach out to learn more about donating an auction item. Let's make this a night to remember! ❤️ #AllYouNeedIsLove #ALottaLoveInc #NonprofitFundraiser #CommunityImpact

Here's Jennifer Galloway, our Team Lead at @familiesmovingforwardnc, with one of our favorite makeover hacks! This is a simple, easy addition to any makeover that really helps transform the space while providing privacy! #ALottaLoveInc #MakeoverHacks #TraumaInformedDesign

On October 9th, a team of volunteers from Regency Centers (@regencycenters) joined our team to transform two apartments at Hope Village at Method! It was an absolutely incredible day creating safe and dignified spaces for young adults transitioning out of foster care. This makeover was made possible through partnership with Hope Center at Pullen (@hopecenteratpullen) Our work would not be possible without the help of organizations like Regency Centers. We are so incredibly grateful for people who want to help us make a difference in our community! #ALottaLoveInc #RegencyCenters #TraumaInformedDesign

Here's a video of our founder, Lotta Sjöelin (@lottasjoelin), speaking with a group of volunteers about why we do what we do and why our work is important in our local community.❤️ "So that's what we do. We're in mental health, and that is what we're going to do here today." To get involved with our mission and purpose, please visit our website, alottalove.org/volunteer/. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign

❤️ ONE MONTH AWAY! ❤️ The countdown is on! We're just one month away from "All You Need Is Love", and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Join us for an incredible evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while helping A Lotta Love transform more shelter spaces into safe, welcoming places where people can begin again. 📅 Friday, November 13 | 7–10 PM 📍 Hope Valley Country Club, Durham 🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Don't miss your chance to be part of this special night. 🎁 Silent auction donations are still being accepted! Have an experience, gift certificate, or special item you'd like to contribute? We'd love to hear from you! Get your tickets at alottalove.org or reach out to learn more about donating an auction item. Let's make this a night to remember! ❤️ #AllYouNeedIsLove #ALottaLoveInc #NonprofitFundraiser #CommunityImpact

We had a great group of volunteers from the @East Chapel Hill Rotary Club who sponsored an indoor and outdoor makeover at HomeStart on October 2nd! They did everything from painting playground structures to organizing books, and we could not be more grateful for all their help and dedication. They also transformed an unused room into a new space for a family on the waiting list, as well as creating a true gathering space in the living and dining room for families ❤️ Achieving our purpose through transforming spaces would not be possible without organizations like the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club. We are so grateful to have local organizations that are so committed to helping their communities. #ALottaLoveInc #ECHRotaryClub #HomeStartNC @ifcforsocialservice

❤️ Today is DAF Day! Did you know you can support A Lotta Love through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? A DAF is a charitable giving account that allows donors to recommend grants to nonprofits they care about. If you have a DAF, consider recommending a grant to A Lotta Love! Your generosity helps us transform bedrooms, common areas, and shared spaces in homeless and transitional shelters and crisis centers into safe, welcoming environments where individuals and families feel valued and respected. Already have a DAF? Today is a great day to put your charitable dollars to work! A Lotta Love, Inc. EIN: 84-2866664 Learn more about our mission and ways to give at alottalove.org. #DAFDay #DonorAdvisedFund #ALottaLoveInc #CharitableGiving #MakeADifference

We had a fabulous day at HomeStart on Friday, October 2nd! In the morning an amazing group of volunteers transformed the outdoor play area by replacing basketball nets, swings, planting flowers, and more. Outdoor spaces are an important piece of creating feelings of safety and comfort, and we love being able to transform all types of spaces! Up next, we’ll highlight the makeover of indoor spaces that took place on October 2nd by the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club. Big jobs call for big teams! #ALottaLoveInc #HomeStartNC #TraumaInformedDesign

Be part of the celebration! ❤️ Get tickets now for "All You Need Is Love" on November 13 from 7-10pm. Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while supporting A Lotta Love and the work behind every transformation. Tickets and sponsorships are available at alottalove.org We can’t wait to celebrate with you! #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

UNC Chapel Hill's Women in Legal Leadership club (@womeninlegalleadership) held a service event in partnership with A Lotta Love making cards and bracelets for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. We absolutely love working with university organizations, and our work could not be done without their support and generosity! Thank you so much to UNC's Women in Legal Leadership for spreading love within our community❤️ #ALottaLoveInc #UNCChapelHill #WomeninLegalLeadership

Director of Moral Support checking in! Someone has to document all the magic✨️ ❤️ #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #TraumaInformedDesign

Help us make this year’s silent auction something special! ❤️ We’re gathering items for our "All You Need Is Love" silent auction and would love your help. Have a product, service, experience, gift certificate, vacation stay, dining experience, tickets, or another great item to donate? Your contribution will help us raise critical funds to transform rooms and shared spaces in homeless and transitional shelters and crisis centers across our community. Scan the QR code, visit alottalove.org, or email executivedirector@alottalove.org to donate an silent auction item Know a business that might be willing to donate? Tag them below or share this post! #ALottaLoveInc #SilentAuction #TraumaInformedDesign

Here is our vlog from September 18th when an amazing group of volunteers from Freudenberg Performance Materials (@freudenberg.group) came out and helped transform three rooms at Families Moving Forward (@familiesmovingforwardnc) We truly could not do all of these amazing transformations without amazing sponsors, like Freudenberg. Tune in this week to see more of our makeover at Families Moving Forward! Special thank you to all of the volunteers that joined us: Kam Tate, Kimberly Jacobs, Olivia Spadavecchia, Calvin Davis, Candice Kish, Jeanetta McNeil, Pia Agliam, Cory Smyer, Molly Barnes, Antonio Watkins, Kayla Logan, Adrian Jimenez. #ALottaLoveInc #FreudenbergPerformanceMaterials #FamiliesMovingForwardNC

On September 18th, an amazing group of volunteers from Freudenberg Performance Materials (@freudenberg.group) SPONSORED 3 rooms at Families Moving Forward (@familiesmovingforwardnc) and then helped with the makeover! We truly could not do all of these amazing transformations without amazing sponsors, like Freudenberg. Tune in this week to see more of our makeover at Families Moving Forward! Special thank you to all of the volunteers that joined us: Kam Tate, Kimberly Jacobs, Olivia Spadavecchia, Calvin Davis, Candice Kish, Jeanetta McNeil, Pia Agliam, Cory Smyer, Molly Barnes, Antonio Watkins, Kayla Logan, Adrian Jimenez. #ALottaLoveInc #FreudenbergPerformanceMaterials #FamiliesMovingForwardNC

Be part of the celebration! ❤️ We’re getting ready for "All You Need Is Love" on November 13 from 7-10pm, and we hope you’ll join us! Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while supporting A Lotta Love and the work behind every transformation. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at alottalove.org. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

Here's a little recap of what we've been up to lately✨️ ... Stay tuned for upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities! We would love to have you join our team!🏠️ ❤️ 🔧 #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #NorthCarolina

KARMA KEG IS TODAY! ❤️ Stop by Hi-Wire Brewing Durham today from 4:30–7:30 PM, grab a drink, and cast your vote for A Lotta Love! Help us compete for the $5,000 top prize! Every drink purchase earns you a digital vote that you can use to support A Lotta Love. At the end of the night, the nonprofits with the most votes will each receive a cash prize. A big thank you to Inhabit Real Estate for hosting this FUNdraiser and bringing local nonprofits and our community together. We can’t wait to see you there! https://hiwirebrewing.com/events-durham/#ALottaLoveInc #KarmaKeg2026 #HiWireDurham #NC

Meet Emily Gingrich (@gingrichemily), a donor, volunteer, and supporter of A Lotta Love. Swipe to learn more about Emily's journey with A Lotta Love and how she connects with our purpose and mission. Emily, we appreciate all of the support, time, and dedication that you have poured into our organization throughout your time with us. You are an integral part of our team and we could not be more thankful to have you! #ALottaLoveInc #SupportSpotlight #TraumaInformedDesign

Be part of the celebration! ❤️ Save the date for "All You Need Is Love" on November 13 from 7-10pm @hopevalleycc.1926 Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while supporting A Lotta Love and the work behind every transformation. Tickets and sponsorships are available at alottalove.org. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

KARMA KEG IS 1 WEEK AWAY! ❤️ We are excited to join other nonprofits at Inhabit Real Estate's annual Karma Keg Night! Every drink purchase earns a digital vote in which you can use to vote for A Lotta Love! At the end of the night, the top nonprofits with the most votes each receive a cash prize! #ALottaLoveInc #KarmaKeg2026 #NC #HiWireDurham

Lotta Love Makeover Hacks #2: Using different colored tape as a picture frame is a simple way to instantly anchor a room and give someone a place that feels truly like their own. Small design choices make a powerful difference! At @familiesmovingforwardnc on July 30th, @kelly_f_hunter made such a cute frame around a poster! Stay tuned for more helpful tips and tricks! #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #HomeHacks #Transformation

A huge thank you to the sponsors already committed to making "All You Need Is Love" an incredible night! Their generosity helps bring this celebration to life and supports the work at the heart of A Lotta Love. Join them in supporting A Lotta Love and be part of an evening filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at alottalove.org #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

A Lotta Love has lots of exciting volunteer opportunities this month! Sign up to volunteer with us using the Volunteer Interest Form that can be found on our website: alottalove.org/volunteer/. We would love to see you! Don't forget that you can either sign up individually or sign up for a team! Use the link above for easy access! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

On August 28th, our volunteers completed a bit of a different makeover. Instead of transforming individual rooms, they took on painting a central hallway to update and open up the space a bit more. All the details matter and the smallest change can make a place feel more like home! Shoutout to our amazing shelter lead, Tessa Johnson (@sellinganddesigning), our founder, Lotta Sjöelin (@lottasjoelin), and our volunteers, Rose Lynn Wild (@roselynnwild) and Stephanie Walsh! Another huge thank you to our fabulous painters, Zico and Angel from Zico Cantu Painting Company! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #HomeStartChapelHill

Be part of the celebration! ❤️ We’re getting ready for "All You Need Is Love" on November 13, and we hope you’ll join us! Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while supporting A Lotta Love and the work behind every transformation. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at alottalove.org. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

We are excited to join other nonprofits at Inhabit Real Estate's annual Karma Keg Night! Every drink purchase earns a digital vote in which you can use to vote for A Lotta Love! At the end of the night, the top nonprofits with the most votes each receive a cash prize! #ALottaLoveInc #KarmaKeg2026 #NC

Home should always feel like a place where you can exhale. 🤍 We recently sat down with a family after completing their space makeover to hear what having a dedicated, peaceful environment means for their family. Listen to hear a moment of our conversation! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign

Be part of the celebration! ❤️ We’re getting ready for All You Need Is Love on November 13, and we’re looking for sponsors to help make this incredible evening possible! Join us as a Hero, Champion, or Patron Sponsor and put your support behind an evening filled with love, generosity, and plenty of fun, all in support of A Lotta Love. We can’t wait to celebrate with our community, and we’d love to have you there as a sponsor! Become a sponsor today at alottalove.org #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

The Toolbox of Doom and Despair: the unofficial mascot of every makeover, equal parts chaos and lifesaver!🔧 #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Transformation

Join us for All You Need Is Love, A Lotta Love’s annual celebration of the lives you’ve helped change and the work still ahead. Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and a few surprises along the way, all while supporting the work that makes every transformation possible. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at alottalove.org. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! #ALottaLoveInc #AllYouNeedIsLove #HopeValleyCC #TraumaInformedDesign

A Lotta Love 1 Minute Makeover!❤️ Here's a quick video to recap our second room completed at @familiesmovingforwardnc on July 31st! Our volunteers were able to transform this space into a bright and lively room for a mother and her 12 year-old son. Special thanks to @sweet_william_designs, @kelly_f_hunter, and @charlottedentongage for all their hard-work. None of this would be possible without our shelter leads and volunteers! #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #Transformation

A Lotta Love 1 Minute Makeover!❤️ Here's a quick video to recap one of two rooms completed at @familiesmovingforwardnc on July 31st! Our volunteers were able to transform this space into a bright and lively room for a mother and a son. Special thanks to @sweet_william_designs, @kelly_f_hunter, and @charlottedentongage for all their hard-work. None of this would be possible without our shelter leads and volunteers! #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #Transformation

A Lotta Love Makeover Hacks #1: Every space deserves to feel intentional, warm, and comforting. 🛏️✨ Using peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a custom headboard is a simple way to instantly anchor a room and give someone a place that feels truly like their own. Small design choices make a powerful difference! At @familiesmovingforwardnc on July 30th, @sweet_william_designs made two awesome headboards for a sweet family to enjoy! Stay tuned for more helpful tips and tricks! #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #HomeHacks #Transformation

A Lotta Love x Families Moving Forward (@familiesmovingforwardnc) Vlog🏠️ ❤️ Another thank you to our great volunteers: @sweet_william_designs , @kelly_f_hunter , and @charlottedentongage. None of our makeovers could be done without the volunteers who make it all come together! Keep following along for more in-depth videos and makeover hacks used during A Lotta Love's July 31st makeover! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #FamiliesMovingForwardNC #Community #Transformation *A Lotta Love Inc does not own the rights to this music

On July 31st, an amazing group of A Lotta Love volunteers transformed two rooms in the Families Moving Forward community in Durham, NC! Everyone gave their predictions for how long the two rooms would take, Families Moving Forward's Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Maryn, had the closest guess! Follow along this week for more about our July 31st makeover! Special thanks to @familiesmovingforwardnc for the opportunity to volunteer, our shelter lead @sweet_william_designs, and our two amazing volunteers, @kelly_f_hunter and Charlotte Gage! #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Community #FamiliesMovingForwardNC

A quick refresh on why we do what we do. 🏠❤️ At A Lotta Love, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. Through trauma-informed design, we transform shelters and crisis centers across NC into spaces that truly heal and uplift. 10 years in, and our heart is still at the center of it all. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! ✨ #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer #Community #NorthCarolina

Trauma-informed design supports healing for people facing instability and loss. Widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, and childcare facilities, it also has a significant impact when applied to homeless shelters, crisis centers, and children’s homes. Residents in these environments often arrive after experiencing instability, illness, or violence, compounded by the trauma of losing their homes. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

A Lotta Love addresses the need for dignity, comfort, safety, and healing within homeless shelters. While many shelters provide basic necessities like food and temporary housing, the physical environments are often institutional, impersonal, and stressful conditions that can hinder emotional recovery and reinforce a sense of instability. Nothing we do happens alone. The magic is in people coming together – volunteers, donors, nonprofit partners, and frontline teams – each bringing something meaningful to the table. We do not see people as “helpers,” but as co-creators of love and hope. We listen, collaborate, and build alongside those already doing the work, honoring their knowledge and experience. We are here to serve shelters, not the other way around. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

When you volunteer with A Lotta Love, you’ll connect with amazing people, make new friends, and share in the joy of doing something that truly makes a difference. Whether you have just an hour to spare or want to dive into a bigger project, we have a place for you. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

Everyone deserves a space that feels safe, comfortable, and dignified. ❤️ Swipe through to explore our Top 10 Makeover Must-Haves—the everyday essentials we use to help transform shelter rooms into warm, comforting sanctuaries for families starting a new chapter. Want to send some love? You can purchase these exact items directly through our Amazon Wishlist (find it at alottalove.org/donate/) to help us prepare for our next makeover! #ALottaLove #TraumaInformedDesign #Transformation

Did you know that a transformed environment can completely change a family's outlook? It costs about $850 to fully renovate a shelter room for a family of four, but getting involved doesn't have to be complicated. Our Amazon Wishlist makes giving incredibly easy. You can browse and purchase the exact items needed for these rooms, and they’ll ship directly to us. There are many items under $25, and each and every item helps us get closer to transforming spaces. It’s a simple way to take direct action and know exactly how your donation is helping a family thrive.✨ Get involved today: alottalove.org/donate/ #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Transformation

A Lotta Love runs on the power and heart of our incredible volunteers and we’d love to have you join us! ❤️ Volunteer opportunities become available regularly based on current projects and needs. We’ll soon offer monthly storage unit organizing days, and monthly room transformation volunteer days beginning Summer 2026—stay tuned for details! Opportunities may also include donation support, special events, or creative ways to help behind the scenes. Join our Volunteer Interest List and share your availability, interests, and skills. We’ll be in touch as opportunities arise and do our best to connect you with a meaningful way to serve. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

On June 16th, one of our amazing shelter leads, Jennifer Galloway (@sweet_william_designs), and Emily Gingrich transformed a room for a mother and her baby at Families Moving Forward in Durham. Spaces like this are so much more than just four walls—they offer comfort, safety, and a fresh start for families in transition. A massive thank you to Jennifer and Emily for sharing their time and talents to bring this beautiful room to life! 🏠️ ❤️ #ALottaLoveInc #FamiliesMovingForward #TraumaInformedDesign

On June 24th, a dedicated group of our amazing volunteers completely transformed a bedroom and bathroom for a resilient mother and daughter at the Durham Rescue Mission (@rescuemissionsnc). 🩵 By bringing intentional, comforting design into this room, our team helped create a peaceful sanctuary where this family can feel safe. We are endlessly grateful for the hands and hearts that made this transformation possible! ✨ Special thank you to Ashley Freedman (@ashleyfreedman), Asha Patel (@ashapatel), Hadley Nixon (@hadleyemerson), and Betsy Black (@betsyhowellblack). #ALottaLoveInc #DurhamRescueMission #TraumaInformedDesign

A huge thank you to the UNC Newman Center (@unc_newman) for sponsoring two rooms at Families Moving Forward on June 11th! Led by Team Lead Jennifer Galloway (@sweet_william_designs), these rooms became welcoming spaces for two moms, each with four children. These beautiful transformations simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible volunteers and organizations who pour so much love into our mission. We are endlessly grateful for your support! 🩵 #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #FamiliesMovingForwardNC

A Lotta Love runs on the power and heart of our incredible volunteers and donors and we’d love to have you join us! When you volunteer, you’ll connect with amazing people, make new friends, and share in the joy of doing something that truly makes a difference. Whether you have just an hour to spare or want to dive into a bigger project, we have a place for you. Volunteer opportunities become available regularly based on current projects and needs. We’ll soon offer monthly storage unit organizing days, and monthly room transformation volunteer days beginning Summer 2026—stay tuned for details! Opportunities may also include donation support, special events, or creative ways to help behind the scenes. #ALottaLove #TraumaInformedDesign #Volunteer

June is National Safety Month! 🏡 At A Lotta Love Inc., we believe everyone deserves a place where they can truly feel safe, nurtured, and at home. Through the power of Trauma-Informed Design, our teams intentionally choose comforting color palettes, cozy bedding, and personalized touches to transform spaces into secure havens of dignity and peace. From soft walls to warm rugs, every single detail is built with care. A massive thank you to our incredible, hardworking volunteers, none of these heartwarming transformations would be possible without your bright energy and dedication! Swipe through to see how we bring safety and comfort to life. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign

A room reveal. A fresh start. A moment he'll never forget. A safe, welcoming space can change how a family feels about tomorrow. This Father's Day, we're honoring the dads and father figures who continue showing up with strength, love, and hope for their children. ❤️ Happy Father's Day from A Lotta Love. #FathersDay #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign

☀️ School's out. Summer is here. For many children, summer means sleeping in and family vacations. For others, it means facing uncertainty while living in a shelter or transitional housing. At A Lotta Love, we're working to make sure every child has a space that feels safe, comfortable, and truly their own. Because every child deserves more than a bed—they deserve a place of belonging. As summer begins, we're grateful for the volunteers, donors, and partners helping us create home, one room at a time. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #SummerBreak

Transforming Spaces. Creating HOME. When this mother and her three children moved into their new space, they were starting over with very little. The bedroom and bathroom were in rough condition, and the family had few belongings and no toys. With a vision created by Lotta (@lottasjoelin) and brought to life alongside Tessa (@sellinganddesigning) and Rose Lynn (@roselynnwild), we completely repainted and transformed these spaces into a safe haven. Every detail reflected the children who would call it home—a princess loving 9-year-old daughter, an 8-year-old who loves Transformers, and a 5-year-old Paw Patrol fan. We even added a few special extras to bring smiles and spark imagination. Because a room is more than a bed—it’s a place of belonging. This makeover was made possible through the generous support of 100 Men Who Give A Damn, whose donation helped create a safe, welcoming space for this family's next chapter. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #HomeStartChapelHill #100MenWhoGiveADamn

A room can be more than a place to sleep. It can be a place to rest, recover, dream, and begin again. Team Lead Jennifer Galloway(@sweet_william_designs), volunteers William Galloway (@wgalloway8) and Lily Whitten (@lilygwhitten), and A Lotta Love Executive Director Tina Clossick (@clossickme) transformed two rooms at @FamiliesMovingForwardNC One for a couple and their young son, and one for a mother and her baby boy. From cozy bedding and calming décor to books, toys, artwork, and thoughtful storage solutions, every detail was chosen to help these families feel welcomed, valued, and at home. Because healing begins in spaces that support it. Thank you to our volunteers, donors, and partners who make these transformations possible every day. #ALottaLove #FamiliesMovingForward #TraumaInformedDesign #RoomMakeover #HousingStability

A fresh start, designed with love. ❤️ Volunteers Tessa Johnson (@sellinganddesigning) and Rose Lynne Wild (@roselynnwild) with Lotta (@lottasjoelin) transformed a room for a family staying at HomeStart in Chapel Hill. Inspired by a Spider-Man-loving 7-year-old, a creative 13-year-old who loves pink and gem painting, and a mom who dreamed of pink bedding with green accents, every detail was thoughtfully chosen to create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and truly their own. The HomeStart House Manager's response said it all: "I'm just going to stay here for a bit and take it all in. It's just so beautiful. #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #RoomTransformation #HomeStart

✨ The Big Reveal ✨ In just one day, four apartments at Hope Village at Method were transformed into spaces designed to help young adults transitioning out of foster care feel welcomed, supported, and at home. Every apartment was thoughtfully designed around the interests, personalities, and preferences of the residents who will call these spaces home. From furniture and décor to outdoor planters and personal touches, every detail was chosen with care. This transformation was made possible by an incredible community of volunteers who gave their time, talents, and hearts to create spaces filled with comfort, dignity, and hope. A special thank you to Realtor Giving Network (@realtorgivingnetwork) for helping recruit volunteers and providing the soil and plants that brought the outdoor spaces to life, @TheHopeCenteratPullen for your partnership, and the amazing volunteers from @dash.carolina, @realestatesoldfairley, @kaseymerrittrealtor, @kps.realtybydesign, @costellotriangle, @suziesmithraleighrealestate, @roselynnwild, @bickfora, and our A Lotta Love team. Together, we transformed more than apartments. We created places to call home. 💙We know we may have missed a few tags—if you were part of the project, tag yourself in the comments so we can celebrate you, too! 💙 #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #CreatingHome #VolunteerImpact #RaleighNC #FosterCareSupport #HopeCenterAtPullen

✨ Sneak Peek Alert ✨ What happens when amazing volunteers, a few truckloads of supplies, plenty of teamwork, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a place to call home come together? This!! This past Sunday, volunteers transformed four apartments at Hope Village at Method in Raleigh for young adults transitioning out of foster care. A huge thank you to Realtor Giving Network (@realtorgivingnetwork) for helping recruit volunteers and providing the soil and plants that brought the outdoor planters to life, @TheHopeCenteratPullen for your partnership, and all the incredible volunteers, including groups from @dash.carolina and @realestatesoldfairley, who rolled up their sleeves and made the magic happen. Special thanks to the A Lotta Love project team: Team Lead Heloisa Bickmore (@lofiasco), Lotta Sjoelin (@lottasjoelin), Tina Clossick (@clossickme), and Jen Aubrey (@jlaubrey). These photos are just a tiny peek behind the curtain. The full room reveals and some pretty incredible transformations are coming soon.

FLASHBACK ✨ Hope Village at Method in March Just a few months ago, amazing volunteers, led by Team Lead Heloisa Bickmore @lofiasco), came together at @HopeVillageatMethod to transform spaces designed to support young adults transitioning out of foster care. In just two days, shared indoor and outdoor spaces, an office, and apartment were reimagined with comfort, connection, and daily living in mind. Made possible with support of @realtorgivingnetwork @compassgreaterraleigh @morganwomblegroup @terranovanc Now, we’re excited to return! This Sunday, May 31, A Lotta Love will partner once again with @TheHopeCenteratPullen to continue this important work by transforming 4 resident apartments for young adults. Using our trauma-informed design approach, together we’ll create spaces that feel safe, calming, welcoming, and truly like home. We can’t wait to share the transformation. #ALottaLoveInc #HopeVillageAtMethod #TraumaInformedDesign #FosterCareSupport #HopeCenterAtPullen #RaleighNC

✨ We Still Have Volunteer Spots Open for Sunday✨ This Sunday, May 31, A Lotta Love returns to Hope Village at Method to continue this meaningful project supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care. A Lotta Love's Heloisa Bickmore (@lofiasco) will again be Team Lead on this amazing project. Following our work transforming the community’s indoor and outdoor common spaces, this next phase will focus on renewing 4 resident apartment. No special skills are needed — just a willingness to serve alongside an incredible community of volunteers. Hope Village at Method, Raleigh Partnering with @hopecenteratpullen Help create welcoming spaces for youth transitioning out of foster care. Help Transform 4 Apartments Need 40+ Volunteers 🗓 May 31 ⏰ Shifts 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm SignUp link: https://signup.com/go/rxHLLnX Whether you’re joining as an individual, with friends, or as a group, your time and heart make a lasting impact. #Volunteer #ALottaLoveInc #TraumaInformedDesign #FosterCareSupport #Homelessness #HopeCenteratPullen

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