Mary Garland shared the inspiring journey of HomeAhead with the Longmont Rotary Club, where she currently serves as the Executive Director.
The genesis of HomeAhead traces back to 2018 when a homeless elderly woman named Rebecca opened up to members of St. Andrew Church in Boulder about her struggles with homelessness. Rebecca had been unhoused for decades but was about to receive housing through a local nonprofit. Her story sparked a compassionate response from the members of St. Andrew's, leading to her receiving essential furnishings for her new home. Recognizing the widespread need for such support, faith partners joined forces to furnish nearly 400 homes between 2019 and 2021.
Formally established in late 2021, HomeAhead has since furnished over 900 homes, offering a fresh start to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, escaping violence, aging out of foster care, or reintegrating into society after incarceration.
Mary highlighted a sobering statistic: a 45% increase in homelessness during the 2022-2023 period. However, she emphasized the transformative impact of the gently used or new furniture and household items provided by HomeAhead, which restore dignity and instill hope in those they serve. Remarkably, 96% of HomeAhead's clients have maintained stable housing for at least one year or more, underscoring the organization's effectiveness in facilitating lasting change in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
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