Programs


Rapid Response Program

Woman and man loading green bags of donations into car in the snow
Executive Director Barbara Waterhouse standing with three Boston Police Department officers holding bags of donated clothing
Needham Rotary Club volunteers loading green bags of winter coats into Circle of Hope delivery van

On an ongoing basis, we provide essential clothing, shoes, and winter weather gear to those in crisis through our network of 25 community partnerships. All of our deliveries also include Dignity Bags, filled with basic hygiene essentials like soap, shampoo, and socks to support health and uplift personal dignity. Emergency supplies are delivered within 24-48 hours for those facing acute crises such as house fires, domestic violence, or extreme weather; other rapid response items are delivered at least monthly, if not more frequently.

You Can Help.

Join our Go-To Crew to receive email alerts about our urgent donation needs. Or assemble Emergency Clothing Kits to give families the essentials they need for health and dignity within 24-48 hours of a crisis.


Welcome Baby Program

Woman cradling her newborn baby
Three backpacks full of donations for newborns who are homeless
Newborn baby in hospital hat and blanket

Circle of Hope provides brand new porta-cribs and fully-stocked diaper bags to newborns who are homeless, helping them get a strong and healthy start in life. The bags include items essential to caring for an infant, from wipes and diaper cream to onesies and sleepers. We also support the health and wellbeing of new moms experiencing homelessness by providing them with clothing and postpartum care essentials.

Support Newborns in shelter.

Assemble Welcome Baby Bags. Collect the contents and assemble the diaper bags with your colleagues, family, or friends. Each bag includes onesies, bibs, bottles, wipes, face cloths, receiving blankets, and more. When you are finished assembling your Welcome Baby Bags, drop them off at Circle of Hope from 10-12 Mondays - Thursdays at 1329 Highland Ave. Needham, MA.

Donate to The Newborn Fund at Circle of Hope. Your gift will help vulnerable newborns get a strong start and stay healthy.


Get Set

Young woman wearing plaid shirt and winter hat sitting on wooden bench
Five college students wearing backpacks walk toward brick building on campus
College student

In 2019, Circle of Hope launched Get Set to provide clothing, hygiene items, bedding, and dorm essentials to college students experiencing homelessness at Framingham State University and MassBay Community College. We have since expanded Get Set by partnering with University of Massachusetts Boston and the Kaszanek House in Malden.

By regularly providing everyday essentials to college students who are homeless, Circle of Hope helps them stay in school, attend classes in good health, and pursue their dreams. You can help support college students experiencing homelessness by donating Get Set packages to Circle of Hope. Learn more.

Thank you to Circle of Hope for the support that they have given to the FSU community. As a result of their donations, members of our community are warmer because they have the correct clothing and bedding for the winter months, and feeling better about themselves because they have access to toiletries and towels to help take care of themselves and their families.
— Sarah Ripton, Coordinator of Student Support & Advocacy, Framingham State University