HOMEWARD BOUND

Hearts of Gold transforms shelters into better environments for living, working, and playing.  We provide emergency aid and help clients when they move to permanent housing.  Our aim is to strengthen their resolve during this difficult transitional period.

Over the years, HoG has implemented Shelter Improvements, which included refurbishing a shelter’s backyard by installing child-friendly play equipment and paying artist David Ortega to create a bright and colorful mural.  We have hired contractors to convert a room into a library, build computer stations, upgrade a drop-off childcare facility and carpet and paint the facilities.  A horticulturist was hired to create a garden, and Heart to Art was contracted to install multicultural, inspirational artwork in client rooms and public spaces.  In addition to improving the common facilities, HoG improves the private spaces of the residents, working with them to ensure that they have what they need to survive and succeed within the shelter system, and ultimately to live on their own.

HoG rescues families in danger of falling through the cracks critical junctures with the Crisis Intervention & Life Enhancement program.  We have paid apartment security deposits, hired lawyers to get children placed in special education settings, or simply bought a child a pair of snow boots.  HoG also established the Alumni Support Group (ASG), where one alumni mom is given a stipend to handle outreach and logistics for HoG, and we provide dinner and festivities.  Moms inspire, learn from, support and share one another’s lives, loves, hardships, laughter and tears.

Moms were awed at how HoG shelter improvements gave such a face-lift to their rooms and the public spaces.  Bonnie Bean, Former Director of the Women in Need shelter, says it is remarkable how HoG has made a difference in the lives of her clients.  She appreciates how HoG has enhanced their living skills and helped them by modeling the behavior.