Heading Home

Overview

Heading Home is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness in the Greater Boston area. Established with a mission to provide a supported pathway to self-sufficiency through housing, it has become one of the leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing in Eastern Massachusetts.

Mission and Programs The mission of Heading Home is to end homelessness by offering a comprehensive array of housing programs combined with supportive services. This approach aims to equip clients with the tools necessary to achieve a stable future. Over the past years, Heading Home has successfully supported thousands of individuals, including children and adults, currently or formerly experiencing homelessness. Key services include:

• Emergency Shelter: Immediate housing for those in urgent need.
• Transitional Housing: Temporary accommodations designed to help individuals transition to more stable living situations.
• Permanent Housing: Long-term housing solutions to ensure stability and reduce the likelihood of returning to homelessness.
• Supportive Services: These include counseling, job training, and other forms of support to help clients move towards self-sufficiency.

Impact Heading Home has made a significant impact in the Greater Boston area, supporting over 3,195 families and 8,000 clients annually. Notably, 97% of clients remain permanently housed one year after receiving services. The organization's success is also reflected in the number of households that have exited emergency shelters, with 194 households achieving this milestone in a recent year.

History and Development Since its inception, Heading Home has grown significantly, expanding from a small shelter program to a comprehensive service provider supporting over 4,000 individuals annually. This growth is a testament to the organization's commitment to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts within the community.

Community Engagement and Events Heading Home engages with the community through various events, such as an annual Housewarming event, which brings together business and community leaders to support the organization's mission of ending homelessness locally.

Governance and Leadership

The organization is led by a diverse board of directors comprising professionals from various sectors, including real estate, law, and advocacy. This diverse leadership ensures a broad perspective and strategic approach to addressing homelessness. The board conducts regular assessments of the CEO and reviews its conflict-of-interest policy to maintain transparency and accountability.