SHC

Your donations to the SHC mean everything to us. Although we are certainly grateful for the invaluable government funding we receive, it is not enough to run our programs and much of it actually requires a private match. Contributions from compassionate individuals, companies, faith groups, and others allow us to provide the thorough, quality support that is essential to ending homelessness and enabling our clients stay off the streets permanently.

There are so many ways to be a part of the solution to homelessness right in your own backyard. Please consider these ideas for support and contact us at your convenience to learn more.

ITEM DONATIONS
Our clients benefit greatly from donated house wares and other items you might be able to give. Please click here for a variety of useful items that our clients need.

All items can be either new, or used but in good condition, unless otherwise specified.

You can also run a food or toiletry drive at any time to benefit the SHC.
For more information please click here.

SKILLED ASSISTANCE
With two shelters and a variety of scattered site housing, the SHC is almost always in need of assistance from skilled workers who specialize in housing-related work. For example, donations of professional carpet cleaning/replacement or professional window repair/replacement are among our most valuable gifts. Additionally, we are always seeking landlords and realtors open to renting apartments to our clients in housing subsidy programs. We also love to hear from employers who are willing to hire SHC clients or shelter guests for regular work.

EVENTS PARTICIPATION
The SHC has fun and exciting events throughout the year that offer a chance for our supporters to have a great time for a great cause. Our major events include the Spring Event in April (Under the Roof 2009 at the Somerville Armory), the Golf Tournament in September, and the Somerville 5K Road Race in October. Buying tickets or registering promises you a fantastic time while improving the SHC's ability to provide tailored housing solutions to our clients.

For companies that would like to get involved, sponsorship is a win-win. In exchange for your support, the SHC provides your company with unique marketing and advertising opportunities, as well as a chance for your employees to bond through volunteering or receive free tickets to the event. We also very much appreciate contributions of silent auction items or in-kind gifts (e.g. food, decorations, etc.) to these events.

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS
So much of what we do is thanks to the support of generous individuals across the Somerville community and beyond. Every little bit helps the clients who are working toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. We accept cash, checks, credit cards (call the office), and online. Please feel free to make your gift in honor of or in memorial to a loved one.

THIRD-PARTY EVENTS
If your company is putting on an event and would like to give the proceeds to a worthy community group, please consider the SHC. From special shopping days to theatre performances, businesses have set up countless enjoyable events to benefit our agency. We welcome all companies into our circle of supporters and are eager to collaborate with you on events that generate interest in your business as well as support for our charity.

Individuals can host third-party events, too - we'd love for you to have a house party in our honor! It's easy to get friends together for a movie, a cook-off, or even just a low-key gathering and ask if they might give to our cause about which you feel strongly. The SHC would be happy to have a staff person attend your house party and talk more about the great ways we're helping to end homelessness in this community.

WORKPLACE GIVING
Automatically making monthly or quarterly pledges to the SHC is one of the easiest, hassle-free ways of donating, and it sure makes a big difference to us to have your consistent support. We would be proud to have you say "I gave at the office" with the SHC in mind! If you are interested in workplace giving, please give us a call so we can set this up with your employer's Human Resources Department.

If your company participates in the United Way campaign, you're already set up to contribute to us. Please contact our office for details.

IN LIEU OF GIFTS
Give the gift of a place to call home. Making a donation to the SHC in honor of a friend who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone is a unique and thoughtful present that makes a real impact. Similarly, the SHC offers an option to "register" with us for your wedding or other personal event so that your guests know that you would enjoy a gift to the SHC in your name. Give us a call to arrange a registry or notification of a gift recipient.

BEQUESTS
We are honored when our friends remember the SHC's clients in their decision to designate beneficiaries once they have passed on. To include our organization in your estate planning, please contact us so that we can help you arrange the necessary details.

To find out more about donating to the Somerville Homeless Coalition, please contact
Kathryn Benjaminat 617-623-6111 or kbenjamin@shcinc.org