Refurbishing Furniture and Lives - The Leaders of Renew

At the end of March 2026 Renew Home & Decor will be closing it's doors forever. To many, Renew is more than just a refurbished furniture store. It is a place of learning, of community, and of healing. The decision to close Renew was not made lightly and was not done as any sort of reflection on the staff or a change in mission. There are too many headwinds currently, and in order to ensure Housing Hope's ability to provide affordable housing, job training opportunities, and childcare services are not jeopardized, impossible decisions had to be made.

Renew has been at the heart of our operations for over a decade now, and at it's center lives two of the most incredible people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working along side. Tina Rogert and Bryant Blauvelt have been the all-star team stewarding Renew for many years. If you've been into our store or purchased any items, there's a VERY good chance that one or both helped you with that process. From sales, to refurbishing, to mentorship, and beyond, Tina and Bryant have been the driving force behind Renew. Their tenacity, work ethic, and compassion for staff and employees transcends the work being done. We also connected with Crystal Reilly who's been working at Renew for the past two years and has been a vital member of the team helping make the magic happen at Renew.

We asked them all to give a little insight into their time at Renew as it winds down this month. Our love for them is eternal, and we are so sad to be parting ways but are wishing them the absolute best on their next adventures and will do everything in our power to support their transition. Here's what they had to say.

Tina Rogert

General Manager

When I came to Renew in 2015, I wasn’t applying for a management job — I was trying to rebuild my life.

I had recently completed treatment and was just over a year into recovery. I had experienced homelessness and was starting over with very little except determination and hope. I moved into housing at HH after being at the shelter for a year, and entered the job training program as a participant- not knowing that it would become the place where I would grow personally and professionally for the next decade. The program was a key factor in me being able to sustain my household and eventually move on from subsidized housing into 100 percent self-sustainability.

Renew was more than a store. It was structure. It was accountability. It was dignity. It was a second chance. Over time, I grew from trainee to staff member, to manager, and ultimately to Director and General Manager of the store and retail job training program.

What has always meant the most to me is not the sales numbers or the inventory — it’s the people. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals who were overcoming addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and deep personal setbacks. Watching someone gain confidence, learn to show up consistently, handle responsibility, and begin to believe in themselves again — that is the real impact of Renew.

This program proves that when you give people opportunity, structure, accountability and belief, they rise.

I have also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary team. The staff at Renew understand struggle not as theory, but as lived experience. They have shown up with heart, resilience, and dedication every single day — often going above and beyond because they believe in the mission and in the people we serve. Any success we’ve had has been because of their commitment and grit.

Renew has touched hundreds of lives — through job training, through affordable furniture for families starting over, and through partnerships that allowed us to serve the community with dignity.

Closing the store is bittersweet. There is grief in saying goodbye to something that has meant so much — especially a place that was part of my own journey from instability to leadership. There is sadness in knowing that it is the end of an era for something that TRULY did so much good. There is also pride. Pride in what was built. Pride in the lives changed. Pride in the resilience of the people who walked through those doors.

Renew gave me a second chance. It gave many others the same. That impact does not disappear with a storefront closing — it lives on in every person who gained skills, stability, and belief in their ability to move forward. I will always be grateful for that.

Bryant Blauvelt

Assistant Manager

I joined Renew in 2015 as a Trainee, not knowing how much it would shape my life. What started as an opportunity became something far bigger than just a job. Over the Years, I've worn a lot of hats- even worked for Groundworks- and learned every part of the store. Renew gave me chances that not many places would have, and I'm grateful for that. It became more than a workplace- it became a home.

Through my work here, I've been able to provide for my wife and daughter, and that means everything to me. I take pride in what I do- whether it's moving furniture, helping customers, supporting trainees, or stepping in wherever I'm needed. I've built relationships here that feel like family. The closing of Renew is heartbreaking. This place has meant so much to me. But I'm proud of what we built and what I've been part of. I carry the skills, experience, and confidence I gained here with me- and I believe something brighter is ahead.

Crystal Reilly

Inventory Specialist

I started working at the store in December 2022. I quickly took over a lot of the inventory inputting, along with sales, social media promotion, and training or assisting trainees. While working part-time, I found myself calling the store my second home. I learned how to restore furniture, how to help others in crises, and made friends who have become family.

I'm sad to see our store close. I've met so many wonderful people over the past 3 years; co-workers, trainees, and volunteers. All their experiences have inspired me. I'm going to miss everyone and everything we've been able to do.