We've got too much stuff

COEUR d'ALENE - Perhaps this is one for Tom Cruise and "Mission Impossible."

Move 5,000 square feet of stuff in one day. Part two, find a place to put everything, that ranges from forks to furniture and everything else you would find in a house.

"We're going to have a very difficult time operating the ministry out of storage," said Marsha Reese, a volunteer with "We've Got Stuff."

The nonprofit founded two years ago first operated in the basement of New Life Community Church then moved to a warehouse in the Industrial Park last year.

It helps people who were homeless get back on their feet by giving them basic household items. Reese estimated it has assisted a few thousand people since it started.

"I can't believe how many people, especially in this economy, find themselves without homes," she said.

Which, ironically, is the position "We've Got Stuff" finds itself in.

A New Life member that owned a warehouse allowed the ministry to operate there at no cost, but Reese said they were aware they might have to pack up on short notice if it sold.

It did.

The new owner of its warehouse gave notice last Saturday, it had a week to move out.

"We knew we would have to move quickly if it was sold," she said.

This morning, they'll begin loading up furniture, appliances, utensils, pictures, clothes and mattresses. It will all have to go into storage - somewhere. Trailers, delivery trucks, anything where they can pack boxes, even washers and dryers and refrigerators.

"Even if someone just has a barn, to tell you the truth," she said.

Reese and others are hopeful they can find a location with at least 2,000 square feet that doesn't cost too much. We've Got Stuff relies on donations.

"At this point, we don't have a consistent income," she said.

But it's important to maintain the ministry.

Families escaping from domestic abuse situations, people coming out of rehabilitation and some with developmental delays have received assistance from We've Got Stuff.

"It's incredible, the need," she said.

Reese is confident it will work out.

'We've know God's got this," she said.

To help, call Reese, 699-7893.