Heading Home Outreach Council (HHOC)
Event to learn more about the Up & Out Program
On Wednesday, March 11, 2009 the Heading Home Outreach Council held an event to raise awareness and funds for the Up & Out Program. Approximately 100 attendees came ot learn about a program.
The Up & Out Program is a newly developed program that assists individuals and families who are moving into their own apartments for the first time after being homeless. Up & Out raises money and household donations, and coordinates volunteers to clean and furnish the apartment prior to the family/individual moving in. 
It is a significant undertaking, but seeing the joy and pride of the families and individuals moving into their new homes makes it absolutely worth it. It really is a moving experience!
The event held at Market on Water Street in Boston also allowed for the Outreach Council to introduce a new effort to help families/indivdiuals when they move by showcasing Welcome Baskets that volunteers can put together and donate to Heading Home.
The seven Welcome Baskets on display inlcuded:
- Parent's Room Basket
- Children's Room Basket
- Kitchen Basket
- Livingroom Basket
- Bathroom Basket
- Laundry Basket
- Cleaning Basket
Ways to get involved:
- Coordinate a group to sponsor a move - coordinate fundraising (each move requires approximately $2,500).
- Organize friends, family and co-workers to donate household items for an upcoming move using Heading Home's donation item list. Donation Item List
- Put together "Welcome Baskets" for families/individuals moving into their new home. This will include household supplies and smaller items from Heading Home's welcome basket list. Welcome Basket List
The HHOC thanked everyone for their support and encouraged everyone in attendance to either participate with Heading Home by helping those moving out of homelessness.