My Girlfriend’s House selects two shelters to renovate each year: one housing women and their children and one that houses women only. Shelters are selected based on the size and number of residents. Our goal is to identify facilities with a large number of occupants to ensure we are making the greatest impact. Shelter living spaces range from individual rooms to 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, common areas and outdoor spaces.

Volunteers are assigned to be a part of a design team that is responsible for creating the theme, look and overall direction of the room they will renovate. Each room is assigned a captain to oversee project management. Captain’s are responsible for leading the design process, ensuring the necessary materials and supplies are on hand and within budget and coordinating their volunteers for a fun, safe and successful renovation day work experience.

Teams have an opportunity to get to know the tenants to have a better understanding of their design preferences, likes and ideal living space. All materials are donated or paid for by either sponsor groups or through donations from churches, businesses, corporations, organizations, and individuals.

Teams have two months to plan the design and execution of their rooms. On the day of the Shelter Room Makeover, teams have just 5 hours to complete their full renovations. The big reveal happens at 3:30 pm, when we invite tenants back to see the results of our daylong renovations. At this time, judges will vote to see who has the best design execution. The team with the best design will win the Design Award.