Creating Spaces for living well - through exchange.
CONNECTED
Home Exchange
The story behind creating
Connected Home Exchange
Connected Home Exchange exists because housing alone does not create a home. A home becomes livable when it is functional, comfortable, and cared for — and too often, that piece is missing.
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The idea for this work took shape during my time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I worked as a social worker and supported individuals and families as they secured housing. Again and again, I watched people receive keys to empty spaces — homes without furniture, kitchen items, or the basic pieces that allow daily life to function.
MANY TIMES my clients and I would hunt for gently used furniture & household goods in an effort to make their new homes functional... my dream was to not only help them to create functional homes, but homes that felt safe, cozy & reflective of their family. Finding these items often took a lot of time and rarely were they free. Even low cost items added additional financial pressure on families and the "new start" that they had in their new homes became a source of new stressors.
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EVERY TIME I was able to find families household items, I was met with so much gratitude and the question: "What can I do to repay you?", I saw time and time again how willing people were to contribute as thanks for helping them.
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And so with that, the idea for CONNECTED HOME EXCHANGE was born.
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I knew that all people need a safe, comfortable home as a foundation for a happy, productive life. I also knew how hard it was to earn enough money for rent and other essentials. At the same time, I knew how many households elsewhere were filled with gently used items ready for a second life.
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What became clear was the gap between shelter and stability — and how rarely systems address that transition with dignity. Connected Home Exchange was created to bridge that gap by pairing home organizing, donated household goods, and community service into a shared exchange where time, care, and contribution are valued.
“I realized that getting someone housed is only the beginning. People need their homes to work for them — to feel settled, safe, and their own. This exchange is about honoring that truth and creating a system where everyone has a way to participate.”
— Mary Ann Sedor, Founder
Hi from MaryAnn
My name is Mary Ann Sedor, and at the heart of everything I do is a deep belief in care, connection, and creating spaces where people can truly land. I’m a mother of five and a grandmother to five, and my life has been shaped by years of tending to people — in my own family, in my work, and in the communities I’ve been part of.
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Alongside my professional work, I’m a longtime yoga and meditation practitioner and teacher. These practices have taught me that our external environments deeply influence our internal well-being — how we rest, how we regulate stress, and how we show up for ourselves and others. A home that functions well isn’t just about furniture or organization; it’s about creating a sense of safety, ease, and belonging.
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My work has taken me into people’s homes, workplaces, and lives at moments of transition — times when systems feel overwhelming and support is most needed. One of the most formative experiences came during my time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I helped individuals and families secure housing. Watching people receive keys to empty homes made it clear that shelter alone isn’t enough. People need spaces that support daily life — places to cook, rest, gather, and begin again.
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Connected Home Exchange brings all of these experiences together. It reflects my belief that meaningful community support honors dignity and participation. By combining home organizing, donated household goods, and shared service, this work creates a simple exchange where everyone has something to offer — whether that’s time, care, or resources — and everyone has a place.
