Giving Tuesday 2023
We thought the best way to celebrate this year’s Giving Tuesday was to bring you with us while we tackle two of our Critical Pro Repair (CPR) projects for deserving families in Hartford. In the process, a theme jumped out at us. In both cases, we were helping individuals who have done so much in service to our community. We are fired up to tackle 20 more Winter Warmup/Health & Safety CPR Fixes right away. So many other older adults like Beverly, single parents like Rafaela, local veterans, persons with disabilities and families in crisis have nowhere else to turn this winter. HomeFront's Board has pledged to get us half the way there. They will match every dollar donated up to $30,000 from Giving Tuesday through December 31st! We thank those who have already donated. It is hard to imagine how any gift you give this holiday season will go farther as we bring out the best of community and the best of this season. Meantime, come along with us for some of the lives we touched today.
From CPR Recipient to Next Year's First Volunteer
“This is a boost in my life. Without people like those at your program, sometimes you feel alone. Then you feel the empathy—having someone have your back at a difficult time.” — Rafaela (Hartford)
Rafaela is a hardworking single mom and grandmother. She has younger teen-age son who has had more than his share of surgeries due to a heart defect. She also puts a roof overhead for her five-year-old grandson. When she applied, we took down a list of all of her worries, but we felt it needed to be expedited due to her front and back steps. “I’ve tripped many times and so has my son and grandson. But, as a single parent, I can’t afford to get it fixed. This program is a blessing.” In this case, funding from the Travelers Foundation has enabled us to replace both her front and back steps. We met up with Rafaela today for measurements and she will have safer steps and railings by the end of the week. She has volunteered with United Way and has already signed up to be one of our first Spring-time HomeFront Day volunteer helpers. Stay tuned for the after photos on our Facebook and Instagram platforms.
A Crossing Guard Who Now Must Walk With Caution
Just across town, Beverly had been waiting for help for some time. She is retired now after many years of making sure children get home safely as a crossing guard. As cold as it was for our CPR helpers today, we knew that Beverly had experienced worse over decades of winter work days. Beverly raised her family in her home, but osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis have made things tough for her in her 70s. When our evaluators met with her and saw the state of her front and back steps, we knew we had to act. Here are some photos of peace of mind being restored. We will have much more to share as her steps approach completion.
Just the Beginning
At every stop this Giving Tuesday, we were filled with gratitude that your support makes this positive impact possible. For every Beverly and Rafaela we help, there are 10 more desperately waiting.
Giving Tuesday is about generosity in all its forms. If you are able to give of your time, we our CPR crew could use more skilled volunteers. We are also in need of volunteer home evaluators. You can check out our website or email us to find out more.
Thank you too for considering a gift that will help us restore heat for struggling neighbors, eliminate the cold winds with new doors and windows and provide the basics of safe passage in and out of their homes. HomeFront multiplies every kindness further through the volunteers and donated materials that we mobilize. Our Board match catapults the difference every dollar can make. And, the charity watchdog, Candid has awarded us the 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency for our financial stewardship. We can’t wait to keep you apprised of more of the families whose burden we ease together. On their behalf, we thank you and hope your home is filled with the blessings that matter this holiday season and beyond.
