There is a profound difference between having a safe place to stay and having a home. At The Second Step, we stand with survivors, helping to carve their path toward a life free from abuse. But if you’ve ever moved, you know that having a floor, roof, and four walls is only the beginning. A house starts to feel like home when you have a warm blanket on the bed, curtains in the windows, and kitchen tools to prepare a meal with.
This is where the story of Welcome Home begins.
It began when Welcome Home co-founder Julie Plaut Mahoney, then working in elder care, sought guidance from The Second Step regarding a domestic violence situation involving an older couple.
After a helpful meeting with one of The Second Step’s advocates, Julie reached for the doorknob to leave and said, “You have been so helpful. If there is anything that we can do to help you, I hope you let me know.”
The advocate replied, “If you ever have any extra home goods items from older adults who are downsizing, please share them with us as our clients often need items for their new living situations.”
That single interaction inspired Julie Plaut Mahoney and Mindy Peckler to found Welcome Home in 2016.
Based in Newton, Welcome Home collects and redistributes like-new household items to more than 1,000 people in need each month. Similar to The Second Step, they are committed to the accessibility of their services, which is why Welcome Home has no forms, fees, or requirements.
The connection between Welcome Home and The Second Step continues to thrive today.
Each year, The Second Step partners with over 50 survivors to help them secure safe housing. Once a survivor finds a new place to live, our advocates often connect them with Welcome Home to ensure they have every household essential needed to turn that space into a home.
We are more than just two nonprofits working in the same city; we are partners in the belief that everyone deserves a life full of safety, stability, healing, and hope.
How you can help:
For support: If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, help is available. Call 617-965-2538 or email info@thesecondstep.org.
To donate goods: If you have like-new household items that you would like to donate to Welcome Home, visit www.welcomehomemass.org.