ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. – United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) asks community members to donate items to the next Welcome Home Kit assembly in conjunction with Giving Tuesday and the holiday season. The kits fill a unique gap for individuals and families previously unhoused or living in shelters as they secure new housing.
The non-profit has an Amazon Wishlist for donations to the Welcome Home Kits to help those who were formerly unhoused as they enter a new home. The list includes items like dishes, bowls, mugs, cups, towels, pots and pans, sheets, serving and cookware, shower curtains with hooks, and a mini dustpan and broom.
Individuals moving into their own apartments after being homeless or living in a shelter usually do not have the basic supplies needed for a home. Necessities, such as cookware, towels, and bedding, can be challenging to acquire for people just starting out. However, United Way MV has created “Welcome Home Kits” to ensure that folks have supplies from the start.
How you can help:
- Donate items to United Way MV’s Amazon Wishlist at unitedwaymv.org/welcomehome
- Make a monetary donation at unitedwaymv.org/donate or mail a check to 258 Genesee Street, Utica, N.Y. 13502
The kits include items like large storage totes containing a queen/full-size blow-up mattress, queen/full-size sheet set, can opener, pan, dishes, utensils, oven mitt, sponges, broom and dustpan, towels, shower curtain, towel set, and a reusable grocery bag.
“Our Welcome Home Kits meet the core of our mission at United Way of the Mohawk Valley. We strive to improve lives and strengthen our community so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. And what better way than to start at home,” said Dietra Harvey, Director of Strategic Impact. “These kits are helping folks with the essentials needed when you first move in. If we can uplift individuals and families in the slightest way from the beginning, imagine how much more they can accomplish with that support."
United Way MV is one of many organizations in the Mohawk Valley Housing and Homeless Coalition that provides resources dedicated to helping the unhoused and those experiencing housing insecurity. Along with United Way MV’s Welcome Home Kits, the non-profit’s focus is ensuring access to help is available and that there is a pathway to supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.
United Way MV’s Welcome Home Kits will be distributed through the Coordinated Entry System, which connects those experiencing housing insecurity to available options that best match their needs.
For more information on United Way MV’s Welcome Home Kits, visit www.unitedwaymv.org/welcomehome.
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About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) has been a human service leader helping thousands of local individuals and families by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way MV funding each year.
United Way MV is a leader in innovation through projects and initiatives addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability. For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved visit www.unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691
