November is National Homelessness Awareness Month in the United States. During this time, people are reminded to think of the major problem facing hundreds of thousands of families each year, including more than 1.6 million children. Many who struggle with hunger and shelter find the upcoming holiday season and harsh weather of northern climates challenging to manage, making the issue timely. Especially in the hectic season, it’s essential to pause and help, even in a small way. Westwood has decided to join this effort with HomeAid, by holding an employee donation drive in addition to an annual sponsorship.
In 2022, Westwood again became a silver-level sponsor, committing to help in HomeAid’s fight to end homelessness. President Alan Umaly, who also serves as a HomeAid’s Board of Directors member, noted at the time, “As an insurance agency dedicated to helping people protect what matters most, we know how important a home is.”
HomeAid has been committed to building and maintaining housing and supporting reputable facilities of nonprofits that serve those experiencing homelessness. Part of what makes HomeAid unique is the ability to leverage building industry relationships to secure building material donations and even recruit qualified construction labor volunteers. Westwood is proud to see so many builder clients join the effort, and customers are invited to participate in the initiative as well.
Westwood is joining in, and you can too
There are many ways to fight homelessness, including joining local nonprofits to volunteer in person or donating a bit of money to those less fortunate. If you’d like to join Westwood in supporting HomeAid specifically, there are a few ways to get involved.
HomeAid has a network of local affiliates throughout the country who would appreciate your help. You can check out HomeAid’s website to find opportunities to volunteer. Business owners can use transactional giving, matching donations, or in-kind donations. Of course, there are also opportunities for fundraising and sponsorship for even more ways to get involved.
Many families have traditions around making charitable donations during the holiday season, and HomeAid has some great opportunities for this. A one-time donation to HomeAid can have a considerable impact. For $25, you can provide a personal hygiene kit to someone in need, and $50 provides a family with a basket full of needed household supplies. Times can be especially tough for families with young children, and donations of $100 can provide a family with a month of diapers.
Consider joining Westwood, throughout November, as colleagues participate in a donation drive and contribute to HomeAid’s mission to build toward a future without homelessness.
