A Hand Up is a program of Journey Home that works to support those who are currently transitioning from homelessness to housing by connecting them to donations of household goods and furniture. In November of 2018, we officially merged operations with West Hartford-based, A Hand Up. A Hand Up and Journey Home are a perfect partnership and our merger has created greater efficiencies in a short time.
We provide opportunities for the community to get involved through weekly move-ins, weekly deliveries, and adoptions to get hands on experience helping someone settle into their new home. We are filling a huge gap with this particular population because clients are often moving into housing after experiencing homelessness with nothing but what they can carry on their back. Yet, many people have excess furniture and household items in their homes without a place to put them other than the landfills.
We have created a system where that furniture can now go directly to clients in need. We are also helping to increase the quality of life for many by providing them with furniture and household goods to help them become comfortable in their new home and allowing them to save the little money they do have.
If you are looking to donate your items, please fill out this form to get started or contact us at volunteer@journeyhomect.org!
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Journey Home is always looking for volunteers! There are all sorts of ways to engage in our work and volunteer with us. Click here or the button below for more information on the different ways you get can volunteer. You may always email Michelle Lipar with any questions or if you need more information!
PICK-UPS & DELIVERIES
Volunteers are needed to pick up donated items and deliver them to our warehouse. These deliveries are typically scheduled during the week, but we do have a few of them on the weekends every month.
ORGANIZERS
In order for our furniutre program to run smoothly we need volunteers like you to help keep our warehouse organized! Volunteers meet at the warehouse during our drop off times to help put together kitchen sets, sheet sets, and sort donated items.
MOVE-IN DAYS
Join us as we deliver furniture and other household items to newly-housed individuals and families. Move-ins can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends, and typically last 3-4 hours. Abundant gratitude and smiles make this a very rewarding event.
GROUP SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Whether you want to meet up at our storage facility for a morning full of deliveries, or take it a step further by adopting one of our clients and furnishing their new home with donated items, your group will help make a real difference in people’s lives.
WHAT DONATION ITEMS DO YOU NEED?
Clients are in need of everything from pots and pans to beds and dressers. Many of these clients need all sorts of items, as they only own what they can carry. Click here for a list of items that are always needed.
If you are ready to schedule a donation, please fill out this form or send us an email at volunteer@journeyhomect.org with pictures and a list of the items that you would like to donate. It usually takes us about 48 hours to respond to your donation inquiry. Donations can usually be picked up within two weeks. We do ask for a $50 suggested donation when picking up items to offset the program cost.
If you would like to drop off your items, you are welcome to do so during our weekly drop off hours. Our drop off location is 595 New Park Ave in West Hartford. Our warehouse is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 2pm and on some Saturdays (check Facebook or Instagram for current schedule). If you are interested in dropping off larger furniture pieces please contact us at volunteer@journeyhomect.org and include a picture of the item.
We are very grateful for your interest in helping to make the world a better place!
CASE MANAGERS
Click here if you are a case manager looking for the client request form.