Auction to aid Bonner Homeless Transitions

SANDPOINT — Bonner Homeless Transitions lost its federal funding as of May 31, affecting operations of the organization's Trestle Creek home.

"We still want to use it for homeless and low-income families," said Mary Jo Ambrosiani, president of Bonner Homeless Transitions. "So that is what we are working on now, is a way to keep that property available for its intended purpose."

In the meantime, all of the furnishings from Trestle Creek are going up for auction Saturday to help fund programs at the organization's Blue Haven Transitional Home in Sandpoint. Some of the programs include helping clients with transportation, child care and medical expenses.

"Just some of the things that they are not able to afford at the present time that prevents them from getting into the next step of self-sufficiency," Ambrosiani said. "Because that is the ultimate goal (of our program)."

Those who reside at Trestle Creek in the future will likely have their own furnishings, Ambrosiani said.

Julia Kern recently started JKern Auction Group in conjunction with her existing business, Gypsy Girl Estate Sales. Kern is hosting Saturday's auction and the proceeds will go to Bonner Homeless Transitions.

The auction will consist of a variety of items from collectibles to furniture. There will be a preview period from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, and the live auction will begin promptly at 10 in the Bonner Mall, across from J.C. Penney.

Any unsold items from the auction will be sold during an estate sale next week. The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16-18 in the Bonner Mall.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.