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Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………… 4 Biographies ………………………………………. 5 Situational Analysis …………………………….... 6 Homeless Facts …………………………………… 7 CAMPAIGN PLAN Objectives and Goals ……………………………. 9 Key Publics …………………………………….... 10 Campaign Theme and Messages ………………... 11 Strategy and Tactics ……………………………... 12-13 Calendar …………………………………………. 14 Budget …………………………………………… 15 Evaluation Criteria and tools ……………………. 16 COMMUNICATION TOOLS Fact Sheet ………………………………………. 18 Press Release …………………………………… 19 Press Kit ………………………………………… 20 Calendar Listing ………………………………... 21 Where to Post Calendar Listings …………….…. 22 Public Service Announcement …………………. 23 Mock Email …………………………………….. 24 Pitch Letter ………………………………..…….. 25 Poster ………………………………….…….….. 26 Social Media Information ……………….…….... 27 Social Media Mock Posts ………………….….... 28-31 Small Handouts ………………………………… 32 Brief Sheet ……………………………………… 33 Survey Results …………………………………. 34-35 Story Poster Mock Ups ………………………… 36-37 APPENDIX

 

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INTRODUCTION

Housing Families Inc. (HFI) is a non-profit organization that works towards ending family homelessness. They serve over 600 homeless family members each day. They aspire to provide temporary and safe shelters that are affordable for families at-risk. They work directly work families to help them maintain permanent housing, as well as, stabilizing children’s lives. Founded in 1986, individuals in the Greater Boston Cities of Malden, Everett, and Medford created HFI. Since then, they have expanded their services to specifically benefit children, youths and adults. Their services also include tutoring, after school programs, and a national recognized eviction program. The Eviction Prevention Program pairs case managers with families to resolve landlord disputes and prevent evictions. Their goal is to help families create a stable environment to build a home. HFI target three areas:

- Children Services - Emergency Shelter - Low Income Housing

Beacon Relations realized that HFI was in need of more support in its

volunteers and donors. We firmly believe that with more hands involved, more families would be affected positively.

Another key issue HFI experiences is the lack of awareness for the organization. With the help of contributors, whether it be volunteering or a donation, HFI could further their mission.

Our campaign will focus on two main objectives. The first objective would be targeted towards raising awareness, specifically undergraduate students at Suffolk University. The second objective would be influencing these students to volunteer their time to benefit HFI.

 

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BEACON RELATIONS TEAM

Taylor Kulhawik - Senior, Public Relations Major, at Suffolk University - In 5 years, sees herself working as a public relations

specialist for a nonprofit and living in New York City. - “Working with Housing Families Inc. has opened my

eyes to non profits and how much of an impact they can have with effective campaigns.”

Christina Flessas - Senior at Suffolk University - Majoring in Public Relations - Hopes for a future in event planning - “My Favorite aspect of Housing Families Inc. Is the

positivity of all of the staff, encouraging that they can make a difference.”

Bethany Sarica - Senior at Suffolk University - Hopes to pursue a career in public relations in Boston - “Housing Families Inc. is such an inspiring organization; the

compassion of their staff to support this issue is like no other. They make such a huge impact in helping their community, and educating people on the needs of homeless families."

Evan Oppedisano

- Senior at Suffolk University, majoring in Public Relations

- Hopes to pursue a career in marketing and public relations in the skateboarding or music industry.

- “My favorite aspect of Housing Families, Inc. is that their staff is fully passionate about the issues at hand. Family homelessness is an important topic that can’t be overlooked.”

 

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SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Housing Families Inc. works with families in the Greater Boston area to

secure permanent housing facilities. The organization works towards providing children the services they need to succeed academically. They also work with adults (parents) for group therapy, and parenting skill groups.

They also provide emergency shelters for families in need of a place to stay.

Their largest motivator is the success stories they have accumulated since 1986. This is an organization that in the past year have served over 250 families.

HFI has seen an increase in prospective families in need of support, but

unfortunately the amount of volunteers and donors to accommodate these families is limited. Homelessness affects a wide range of people. While many people’s perspective of homelessness may be skewed based off of the homeless individuals they see on a street corner, they might be surprised to find out that the average age of a homeless person in Massachusetts is eight years old.

Beacon Relations wants to educate people (specifically, Suffolk University

undergraduates) that homeless families are struggling. In order to raise awareness, we would compile actionable materials to disperse to students on campus, and at our Dough Raiser event. These materials are designed to encourage students to participate in HFI’s volunteering opportunities.

Along with increasing awareness and volunteers, Beacon Relations will

strive to expand HFI’s donor-base with the “We Knead You!” fundraiser at UNO’s. This fundraiser on April 24th, 2014 will not only raise money for HFI, but will hopefully change their attitudes and opinions of homelessness.

 

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 Boston Homeless/Family Homelessness Facts

More often than not, the homeless are unfairly generalized and stereotyped. In

particular, facts concerning family homelessness are overlooked or simply not communicated to the public. Here are some surprising truths and statistics on the state of the Massachusetts Homeless situation today.

• It is estimated that every year close to 10,000 children and their families are

homeless throughout the state of Massachusetts • Family homelessness is (regrettably) a fairly new, growing statistic. This is due in

part to major decreases in federal funding for public housing. • 90% of those in homeless shelters are women and children, with the women

averaging 32 years of age. One third of these women are working. • Many of these women and children are products of our foster care system, and

more than half of them have experienced sexual or physical abuse. • Substance abuse, criminal behavior, and mental illness are not issues specific to

the homeless. In fact, homeless families do not exhibit higher rates in these behaviors compared to low-income families who are housed.

• Through family homelessness, the children involved are those who suffer the most.

The Boston Homeless Census: Every December in Boston, a one-night “point-in-time” census is conducted to better understand the homeless situation in the city. Through this, volunteers sweep the city and take count of homeless people living on the streets, in transitional housing, in domestic violence programs, mental health and substance abuse programs, specialized programs serving the homeless youth, and homeless veterans. Here are some findings from the winter 2012 census, focusing specifically on family homelessness:

• The number of homeless families in Boston increased 7.8%, from 1,082-1,166

households this year. • The total number of men, women, and children in families (not necessarily

together, homeless with their other family members) increased by 5.6% from 3,235 to 3,415.

• The number of homeless children increased 2.2% from 1,928 to 1,971. In conclusion, family homelessness continues to grow. The issue is becoming a

statewide trend, and all of the figures listed above represent some sort of increase. Family homelessness is more relevant now than ever, and requires special attention from those who can offer a helping hand. Boston’s 34th annual Homeless Census takes place on December 16th, 2013

 

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CAMPAIGN PLAN

 

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OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

GOAL: To educate undergraduate students at Suffolk University about HFI and their mission. From this we hope to gain student volunteers, and encourage their donation of time. Our secondary goal is to raise funds through the Dough Raiser event. Objectives:

• Raise awareness in the Suffolk University community from 44% to 65% for Housing Families Inc. among undergraduate students at Suffolk University ages 17-22 for the upcoming summer/fall 2014.

• Raise awareness for homeless families in Boston by holding a Dough Raiser at UNO’s on Boylston Street as a college Night for Suffolk University students.

• Increase knowledge about homeless families among the Suffolk undergraduate community by administrating actionable materials as well as making the students aware of the College Night event.

• Increase unique visitors per month from 338 to 600 for the Housing Families Inc. website by May 1st, 2014.

• Promote volunteering for Suffolk University Students and increase volunteer output from volunteering 2-4 times a year to 4-8 times a year.

 

 

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KEY PUBLICS

 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

Our main public is targeting students at Suffolk University. In the undergraduate program there are about 5,000 students we could potentially reach. Although college students are preoccupied with part-time jobs, classes and side activities, it would be rewarding for them to participate in HFI’s events. Due to the fact that they are college students, living on a low budget we are not expecting monetary donations. They are our primary focus because of their location, knowledge, skill set and perseverance. Suffolk University has the S.O.U.L.S. center, which works with the students on community engagement and volunteering so they would be the outlet for this program. Suffolk University’s mission statement states:

“Suffolk University actively promotes relationships with the community to exchange knowledge and provide pathways for internships, career development, and job placement. We engage with our students, alumni, and the broader community in collaborative relationships that promote local and global connections enhancing learning and scholarship.”

The demographic of this public is 17 to 22 years old Suffolk university

student. College students work to build their resume, mainly to create credentials that could further a potential future career.

DONORS     Our secondary target audience will be guests of UNO’s. These will be guests that come in that night, whether it is for the interest in our cause from the posters outside, or because of their interest in UNO’s service. We could speak to them about the organization, hand-out flyers, and ask them to participate in the Dough Raisers. Allowing us to take 20% of their bill towards the organization. We would explain that it is not an additional 20% of their final bill. This audience is crucial because they either know the city or live in Boston. They would be a key public because they might spread aware of HFI by word of mouth or be inspired to donate their own time or money. The demographic of this public would be age 35-45 business professional, married with a college degree.

 

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THEMES & MESSAGES “Because…Students Can Make a Difference” was the chosen theme for this campaign. Students at Suffolk University may not believe that homelessness could occur in families. They may view homeless as just individuals but that is certainly not the case here. This statement poses a thought to these students that they can indeed help families and help provide a place that families can feel safe, or comfortable. Others may not have this necessity. We chose to include a college night so that we could get Suffolk students to attend the UNO’s Dough Raisers to help promote the new program and Housing Families Inc. mission. They would be excited; The school year is coming to an end, the food and atmosphere are fun, and most of all the cause they are supporting is important. The “Students Can Make a Difference” theme will support the campaign as a whole because it will challenge Suffolk students to educate themselves and their view of the homeless situation. In addition, we want to encourage them to learn about the organization and the mission. Suffolk University is an ideal college to involve. The school is active in building community relations and getting their students involved, and the university’s commitment to public service is embodied in their mission statement. Students should be getting involved with volunteering, and exposure to Housing Families, Inc. as an organization through the college night event could be a great opportunity for students to find a good cause worth joining.        

 

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Strategy and Tactics Strategy- To Raise awareness of undergraduate students at Suffolk University of homelessness and Housing Families Inc. in Boston MA

• Provide a brief sheet- stating information about homelessness in Boston, facts about Housing Families Inc (HFI) and their mission

• Hosting event for HFI at UNO’s (Dough Raisers) • Email- email Suffolk Universities undergrads and tell announce the event

taking place on April 24th • Passing out homeless facts in our brochure (including HFI information) • Sharing real success stories, provided by HFI (poster board size)

Strategy- Change Suffolk University students’ perspectives of homelessness in Boston

• Hand out brief sheet, brochures and success stories • Homeless fact sheet about Boston area • Attend our event at UNO’s • Place a public service announcement on Suffolk Radio; short but simple

statement about homelessness and our event • Email- sent out to all students about event and HFI • Press Release/Feature posted in the Suffolk Voice/Suffolk Journal – free

publication for students available around campus

Strategy- Increase amount of donors for Housing Families Inc. • Host event at UNO’s, including the Dough Raisers opportunity, letting

students participate in order to have a portion of their bill go towards HFI • Fact sheets, brochures, brief sheets we will raise awareness of donations to

increase traffic to their website, housingfamilies.org

Strategy- Increase unique visitors on housingfamilies.org from 338 to 600 • Website link accessible on social media • Providing website on actionable materials: brochure, fact sheet,

homelessness sheet, posters, success stories and handouts • Email to Suffolk students will have link back to HFI’s homepage

Strategy- Challenge our target audience (undergraduate Suffolk Students) to volunteer with HFI

- Advertise opportunities: their location, their needs all through email - Opportunities: internships/volunteering hours credentials

 

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- Introduce success stories about the families that are in this organization to motivate actions

Strategy- Demonstrate that Housing Families Inc. is a nonprofit that is trustworthy and benefitting towards homelessness, families in Greater Boston area

- Showing their fact sheet, as well as press kit - Publicize their number of donors and partners of the organization - Share their success stories with the general public - Provide facts, and statistics to their program and what they have achieved - Show their publicized efforts through key messages through Guidestar.org

showcasing that HFI is registered with the IRS, thus proving all donations would be supporting homeless families

 

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CALENDAR

 

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BUDGET

 

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EVALUATION CRITERIA & TOOLS GOAL: To educate undergraduate students at Suffolk University about HFI and their mission. From this we hope to gain student volunteers, and build their donor-base list. Our overall goal is to raise awareness of HFI in the Greater Boston area. Objective 1:

Raise awareness in the Suffolk University community from 44% to 65% for Housing Families Inc. among undergraduate students at Suffolk University ages 17-22 for the upcoming summer/fall 2014.

Evaluation Tools: • Beacon Relations will hand out Dough Raiser coupon on campus along with

materials about Housing Families Inc. including their mission statement. Objective 2:

Raise awareness for homeless families in MA by holding a Dough Raiser at UNO’s on Boylston Street as a college Night for Suffolk University students.

Evaluation Tools: • Beacon Relations will create an e-mail list from the people that attend the Dough

Raiser at UNO’s and share with client. Objective 3:

Increase knowledge about homeless families in MA in the Suffolk undergraduate community by administrating actionable materials as well as well as making the students aware of the College Night event.

Evaluation Tools: • Beacon Relations will compile a list of students that attended the event and share

with client • Beacon Relations will evaluate social media activity looking at Facebook likes

and Twitter Followers. • Beacon Relations will take Inventory on how many materials were distributed pre

and post event at UNO’s Objective 4:

Increase unique visitors per month from 338 to 600 for the Housing Families Inc. website by May 1st, 2014 through the Dough Raiser event.

Evaluation Tools: • Beacon Relations will promote Dough Raiser’s Event at UNO’s with website link

on all actionable materials that are handed out. Objective 5:

Promote volunteering for Suffolk University Students and increase volunteer output from 2-4 times a year to 4-8 times a year through the Dough Raiser event.

Evaluation Tools: • Beacon Relations will distribute an initial survey on volunteering prior to event

and then a follow up survey through the emails of people that attended the event. • Beacon Relations will promote Housing Families Inc. as an opportunity where

students can volunteer.

 

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 COMMUNICATION  TOOLS  

 

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FACT SHEET

Contact: Krystle Kelly kkelly@housingfamilies.org

781-322-9119 ext. 113 Mission:

Housing Families works to end family homelessness. We provide safe, temporary shelter and quality affordable housing to homeless and at-risk families. We offer individualized supportive services to enrich children’s lives, nurture the potential of each family member, and help families maintain permanent housing.

Organization:

A Board of Directors manages Housing Families Inc. Chief Executive Officer; Jim Goebelbecker leads a team of around 30 members, including staff and a management team.

Program and Services:

Housing Families Inc. offers five programs including ending family homelessness, children and parent services with a parenting skill group and tutoring, keeping families housed, emergency shelters of all types and low income housing for long term.

Hours/Facility: Office hours are Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM The organization is located at 354 Cross Street in Malden MA, 02148 Phone: 781-322-9119/ Email: info@housingfamilies.org

The Served: Housing Families primarily focus on families. 84% of families that experience homeless are female-headed and 42% of children are under the age of 6. HFI serve low-income Greater Boston families. In 2013 Fiscal year, they served 250+ families and over 450 children. HFI provides over 100 emergency shelters and permanent housing apartments.

Donors: Their stakeholders include Eastern Bank, Citizens Bank, Dockside Restaurant, Mystic Valley Regional High School and among others. DOE Foundation and the Boston Foundation are two of the largest foundations that provide HFI with grants to support their organization.

 

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PRESS  RELEASE    

                   For Immediate Release Contact: Krystle Kelly May 23, 2014 (781)-322-9119 kkelly@housingfamilies.org

Fundraiser Announced To Help Homeless Families

(Boston, MA.) - Housing Families Inc. will host their First Annual “We Knead You”

Dough Raiser at UNO Chicago Grill on 731 Boylston Street on Thursday, April 24, to promote the prevention of family homelessness and promote their newest program “Because…Students Can Make A Difference.” It will last from 11:00am-1:30am.

The all day fundraiser will raise awareness and money for HFI’s mission of ending family homelessness. UNO’s will take 20% of your final bill if you accept and donate to Housing Families Inc. All proceeds will go towards services Housing Families Inc. provides such as, short term and long-term housing, child tutoring and group therapy for families.

“Suffolk University has provided an awesome way to combine a fun night out for

students with a way to spread awareness about a local organization that is

The event will include features on families that have gone to HFI in their time of need. The fundraiser will help those who aren't as fortunate as well as raising money to help support the families who are in need of homes.  

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Press Kit

The press kit materials will be in a two-pocket folder that will have the organization’s logo and name on front cover. The folder will be the two toned blue color of Housing Families Inc. and

contain a photograph of a group of children. Right Hand Side: Organization

• Introduction: Written document stating what purpose of the press kit is and what its contents are.

• Mission statement of Housing Families Inc. (HFI) • Short statement of statistics of homeless in Massachusetts, and their input of the

organization. • Background: information about HFI, how it was founded, what its primary goals are, the

history of homelessness and their main focus being that of Massachusetts. • Homelessness fact sheet • Recent news event posting: Gala in March 2014 • List of Board of Directors and Staff • Business cards • Detailed contact sheet • Recent news releases, press clippings, and media clips

Left Hand Side: Campaign

• Cover letter: “Because…Students Can Make A Difference” explaining our purpose • Press Release of our event • Screenshots of our social media: Facebook and Twitter • Application for UNO’s Dough Raisers • Handout • Brief Sheet • Biography sheets of stories for HFI that will be posted up and around UNO’s during

event • Information fact sheet of Suffolk University students • Biographies of Campaign Team: Beacon Relations

 

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Krystle Kelly � kkelly@housingfamilies.org

O: 781-322-9119 x113

 

   

***CALENDAR LISTING***

“WE KNEAD YOU” DOUGH RAISER AT UNO’S CHICAGO GRILL TO SUPPORT HOUSING FAMILIES INC.

WHAT: Housing Families Inc. is hosting the first annual ‘We Knead You’ Dough Raiser at Uno’s to help raise money and awareness for homeless families in the Greater Boston Area. This fundraiser is a part of our “Because…Students Can Make A Difference,” campaign. Come enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing drink to help put an end to Boston family homelessness. Come at your leisure all day Thursday, April 24th!

20% of your bill will be donated by UNO’s to Housing Families Inc. and all proceeds will help to reach HFI’s mission of ending family homelessness.

WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00am WHERE: UNO Chicago Grill 731 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 MORE INFO: Visit www.housingfamilies.org

# # #

 

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Where To Post Calendar Listings These are based on areas surrounding where the event is being held, where the organization is located and areas surrounding Suffolk where students reside.

Boston.com Zvents.com Bomoms.com BostInno.com CBS WBZ Yelp.com/Boston Improper Bostonian Boston Parents Paper Bay State Parent Bostonmagazine.com Bostoneventguide.com Patch Sites Arlington Patch Back Bay Patch Beacon Hill Patch Brookline Patch Charlestown Patch Fenway-Kenmore Patch Jamaica Plain Patch Malden Patch Medford Patch North End Patch South End Patch Wicked Local Sites The Malden Observer The Medford Transcript The Brookline Tab The Cambridge Chronicle and Tab The Allston-Brighton Tab The Woburn Advocate Bloggers (We would target mother bloggers because they are more apt to participate when it

involves children and families) Bostonmamas.com Momsfavoritestuff.com Bostonbabymama.com Diaryyyummymummy.blogspot.com Thefairyoddmother.com Honestmom.com

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Krystle Kelly 781-322-9119 kkelly@housingfamilies.org  

PSA FOR HOUSING FAMILIES INC. DOUGH RAISERS AT UNO’S

College Night..Because Every Student Can Make a Difference

30 second spot Live Copy (announcer):

Have you ever known a family to be homeless? A small child left without a safe place, or a roof

over their head? Well Housing Families Inc. located in Malden, MA has a mission to give these

families emergency housing, and support for building a future. Suffolk students, any donations

or time to volunteer are encouraged. You can change a family’s life by lending a helping hand.

Visit housingfamilies.org for more information or call 781-322-9199.

###

 

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Email Write Up to send out to Suffolk University Student

 

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Krystle Kelly 354 Cross Street

Malden, MA 02148 kkelly@housingfamilies.org

February 18, 2014 Tim Albers S.O.U.L.S. Assistant Director Donahue Building, Suite 209 41 Temple Street Boston, MA 02114 Dear Mr. Albers, Housing Families Inc, located in Malden, MA, is launching a new campaign “Because…Students Can Make A Difference” where we encourage students located in Boston to volunteer and help of our mission of ending family homelessness. We would like Suffolk University S.O.U.L.S. center and Suffolk University undergraduate students to be a part of this new and exciting program. Housing Families Inc. works with families in the Greater Boston Area with long-term and short-term housing, student tutoring, group and family therapy and emergency shelter placement. The work that we do is crucial to give families a place of their own and support them. With the help of your students and university, we think our program could gain more volunteers as well as raise awareness for this issue. The program would begin as soon as possible and would involve a College Night at UNO’s Chicago Grill where 20% of all final bills will be donated to Housing Families Inc. by UNO’s to help with the services Housing Families Inc. provides. We would like to work with Suffolk University students because the university’s long standing commitment to public service. College students are always looking for a way to expand their extracurricular activities and add to their resume and volunteering for us could be the opportunity they are seeking. Housing Families Inc. is constantly striving to expand their relations with other area organizations, companies and to schools. We would love for you to join us to end family homelessness and help your students expand their experiences for their careers and futures. Thank you for your attention to this new campaign. Sincerely, Krystle Kelly Public Relations Housing Families Inc.

 

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Posters to Hang up at Suffolk University

 

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Social Media Strategy for HFI

Key Public: Businesses in the Greater Boston Area Secondary Public: Males/Females, ages 35-45 living in the Greater Boston Area Action desired from Publics: Our key public would be businesses that could engage in the organization, and be a donor. It would be businesses that could advertise HFI. Our secondary audience would be a middle aged generation that would possibly find an emotional attachment with HFI. The secondary audience would work in the Greater Boston Area, earn around 50K a year and donate to homeless charities or children’s charities. How does this tie in with their self interest? These publics would create a reputation with donating with HFI. They would be able to use it for tax purposes, and be donating a great cause. Perhaps it will be personal, to specifically just help those in need. Message/Theme: Our social media messages and themes would stay consistent and to the point. It would not bombard people with constant tweets or posts; it would stay as a reminder of the organization’s latest events. It would be allowing the public’s to stay up to date with their upcoming news. It would be a more intimate relationship with the public. Target in Social Media: The target would be to reach out to as many people as possible. To be able to deliver messages that would remain relatable and get the public to interact with HFI. The focal point would be to keep the audience engaged, interested and be able to have lasting connections with them.

 

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Social Media Mock Ups:

FACEBOOK Facebook Posts: Gala:

• Mark your calendars! March 22nd come join Housing Families Inc. at the Seaport Boston Hotel! Come celebrate with others to raise awareness of family homelessness with top restaurants, and enjoy our live entertainment!

• Sick of staying in? Come celebrate with Housing Families Inc. at our Gala at the Seaport Boston Hotel! Join us for gourmet tastings by top restaurants, and live music entertainments. Do not miss out. For more information visit our website, www.housingfamilies.org

o Embed picture to left • Mingle with top chefs, gourmet tastings and

plenty of fun. Join Housing Families Inc. at their Gala March 22nd for a night to remember. Help raise awareness of homelessness! Be the change you wish to see. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or become a sponsor, please visit our registration page here.

• Help a family in need with Housing Families Inc. at their Gala. Expect a night to remember with gourmet tasting, top chefs, an amazing city view and company! Sign up on our website to purchase tickets here.

 

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Facebook Posts Continued… Gift Drive:

• As the flurries approach, so does the holidays. Once again, Housing Families Inc. needs your help on December 16th for our annual holiday drive! All donations will go to benefitting families in our programs. Request of unwrapped gifts donated to 354 Cross Street!

• Keep a family warm this season and donate an unwrapped gift for our holiday drive! Help brighten up this season for families who are in financial difficulties. Join us on December 16th and make a difference this holiday season.

• Put your best gift forward! Help a family this holiday season and give them an unwrapped gift on December 16th. Your gift could make a family’s holiday brighter! This drive adds personal meaning to each family, and gives a child a gift they may not have received elsewhere. For more information visit our website: housingfamilies.org

• Want to put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas? Help homeless families achieve that goal by donating an unwrapped gift on December 16th. For more information or to schedule a drop off, please contact us at (781) 322-9119!

Gingerbread:

• Bring your sweet tooth; come visit our booth at the Boston Christmas Festival! Check out the beautiful Gingerbread houses included in our competition! See which won best in show, most creative and honorable award! Learn more on a website, housingfamilies.org

• Checking out the Boston Christmas Festival this weekend? Come swing by Housing Families booth to check out our gingerbread competition, and enter a raffle to go home with one of the houses! What better way to prepare for the holiday season.

• Help homeless families by showing your support at our Gingerbread Competition all this weekend! Enter our raffle, check out the amazing edible houses and bring your friends!

• Excited about the holidays? Come grab some gingerbread cookies at our booth while supporting Housing Families Inc. and checking out the amazingly, beautiful houses! Interested in buying one of these houses? Contact our team! At Housingfamilies.org

 

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TWITTER

 Twitter Posts: Gala:

• Mark those calendars, March 22nd is our Gala. Join us for gourmet tastings, top chefs and a night you'll never forget. #HFIGala

• HFI needs your help! Purchase a ticket on our website to join us for our Gala on March 22. Every bit can help a homeless family! #HFIGala

• Join HFI at the Seaport Boston Hotel on March 22 for our Gala. Bring your families to raise awareness about homelessness. #HFIGala

• Support HFI at our Gala and raise awareness of homeless families. Come for a night of celebration with tastings & entertainment #HFIGala

Gift Drive:

• HFI needs your help December 16 for our annual holiday drive. Unwrapped gifts are welcomed at our office, every bit helps #HFIHD

• Bring a smile to a child's face this holiday season with a gift! Support HFI's Holiday Drive on December 16th. #HFIHD

• Take the time to put a smile on a child's face! Help HFI with an unwrapped gift to be donated on December 16th. #HFIHD

• As the flurries approach, so do the holidays! Help HFI give a child a gift this holiday season and donate an unwrapped gift! #HFIHDs

 

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Twitter Posts Continued… Gingerbread:

• Bring that sweet tooth to our booth at the Xmas Festival. Check out our gingerbread competition. Learn more at housingfamilies.org #HFI

• Help homeless families by showing your support at our Gingerbread Competition this weekend! Enter our raffle, check out edible houses! #HFI

• Support #HFI at the Boston Xmas Festival this year. Check out the Gingerbread Competition with your friends! #HFIGBC

• Don't forget to stop by #HFI booth at the Boston Xmas Festival. Enter to win one of our edible gingerbread houses #HFIGBC

 

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Small Handouts- to give out to Suffolk students

FRONT BACK

 

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BRIEF SHEET

!!

 

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Beacon Relations: Student Involvement Survey #1 Analysis  

• This survey only polled Suffolk University students, was short at 8 questions in length, and gathered 23 responses.

• Of those 23 students zero were freshmen, two were sophomores, four were juniors, and an overwhelming 17 were seniors.

• Due to the high level of senior respondents, the majority of respondents were age 20 and older.

• Only 8 respondents reported involvement in Suffolk University clubs or organizations, ranging from Advertising club, Program Council, to the Techies Union.

• Only one respondent reported having no volunteer involvement per year. 4 respondents answered that they volunteered once a year, while for “2-3 times” and “4 or more” each option had 9 respondents each.

• When asked, “What area would you be more likely to volunteer for?”, the two top answers were for health & wellness and children’s services. Homelessness only received 2 picks from respondents, indicating it may be a field that requires raised awareness.

 

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Beacon Relations: Housing Families Survey #2 Data Analysis  

• 55% of respondents were Suffolk Students, 44% were not. • 77% of those asked were Massachusetts Residents, otherwise the poll

reached respondents from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. • Two thirds of respondents had been to Malden, Massachusetts before. • Only 44% of respondents had heard of Housing Families, compared to 55%

who had. • An overwhelming majority of respondents reported having done volunteer

work on their own time before, at 88%. • When asked “How often do you volunteer every year?”, the “none” option

received the least amount of selections at 3 (16%). Respondents were otherwise at an equal deadlock for the remaining options, “once”, “2-3 times”, and “4 or more”, (27%).

• Similarly, no respondent answered that the issue of homelessness was “not important” to them, whereas a majority of respondents reported that it was “somewhat important” (44%) or “very important” (27%). The remainder of respondents reported “no preference”.

• 0% of respondents reported never having used the MBTA. 55% reported using it every day, while 44% reported using it once in a while, which still represents usage.

• A majority of respondents felt that any MBTA commute over 30 minutes was considered inconvenient.

• When asked “Would you be willing to volunteer for an organization if it were located in Malden, Massachusetts?”, 38% said yes, 33% said no, and 27% said location made no difference to them.

 

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HFI’s Success Stories

Finding Stability “Anna” and her partner become homeless one month after their son “Brian” was born. Her job did not offer maternity benefits and her partner become solely responsible for paying the bills. Then, their apartment was deemed incompliant with health regulations, and they were forced to leave. The family entered into Housing Families’ transitional shelter program. Anna found HFI staff welcoming and helpful, “We could tell they really cared and tried to help us to the best of their ability to access housing that we could afford.”Anna and her family transitioned into HFI permanent housing, where they have been stably housed for 2 years. Throughout her time living in shelter and thereafter, Anna concentrated her efforts on completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She says, “Through all of the struggles of being homeless, I managed to stay focused in school. My goal is to be a police officer to help people get their lives back on the right path.”

See more at: http://housingfamilies.org/success-stories/beyond-homelessness-newfound-hope-2/#sthash.cEKZoAua.dpuf *This will appear on a 11x17 poster in color at the Dough Raiser Event

 

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Najya and Sadai’s Story Several years ago, Najya and her now 8-year-old daughter Sadai became homeless. The loss of her job and high market rent threatened to derail Najya’s goal of self-sufficiency. The two entered into Housing Families’ transitional shelter program. Najya reflects on her experience, saying, “Homelessness was one of the most difficult situations I have ever dealt with. Even more traumatic was the hopelessness I felt. I was devastated, withdrawn and embarrassed to let anyone know about my situation.”

With the help of HFI staff, Najya and Sadai were able to move from transitional housing into a new apartment in Housing Families’ affordable rental development. In 2004, Najya was awarded a scholarship through One Family, Scholars, a program that helps women with children to pursue a higher education, as well as another scholarship for residents of affordable housing through the MA Housing Investment Corporation. She cross-registered for classes at Bunker Hill Community College and

Roxbury Community College. In 2008, she was accepted into her dream school, Emerson College, and is now working to pursue a career in Multimedia Broadcast Journalism. She will graduate in May 2011.

Najya says of her work with HFI, “The help we received and continue to receive from Housing Families has helped to accelerate the constructive changes in my life, and I know I am taking positive steps toward my aspirations.” She adds, “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for others helping me throughout my journey.” In sharing her story, Najya continues to advocate for homeless and low-income families. She has also worked with Emerson College to help other students access additional funding to achieve their higher education goals.

- See more at: http://housingfamilies.org/success-stories/one-familys-journey-to-stability/#sthash.tsxCU7fX.dpuf *This will appear on a 11x17 poster in color at the Dough Raiser Event

 

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Changing Every Age’s Lives “Housing Families helped me and my family in many ways. They helped us to find a home to live in. They helped us when we didn’t have food and other things we needed for our household, when we didn’t have the money to go and buy them. We also learned to think differently about things that we didn’t have, and about things that we thought we needed but really didn’t.”

–Kristen, HFI teen client

- See more at: http://housingfamilies.org/success-stories/housing-families-helped-me-and-my-family/#sthash.QLJDsQbo.dpuf *This will appear on a 11x17 poster in color at the Dough Raiser Event

 

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 APPENDIX  

 

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Name of person to contact: Nami Zylbersztajn

 

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Bibliography

For  more  information  on  the  Boston  Homeless  Census,  visit:  http://www.bphc.org/programs/esc/homeless-­‐‑census/Pages/Home.aspx   http://housingfamilies.org/ Suffolk University’s Website and their Mission Statement http://www.suffolk.edu/explore/827.php

 

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