CEO Corner: A Season of Gratitude and a Call to Action

As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on everything we are grateful for at Hearth. Each day, I see the compassion and determination our staff bring to their work. Their commitment to supporting older adults who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of it is the foundation of our mission, and I could not be more appreciative of their efforts.

I am also deeply thankful for our partners. From service providers to community leaders, advocates, and volunteers, our work is strengthened by the organizations and individuals who share our belief that every older adult deserves a safe, stable, and dignified home. Just last week, several members of our team participated in a two-day leadership initiative on ending homelessness at Harvard. These conversations were inspiring, and I look forward to sharing more about this work in December.

During this season of thanks, I keep coming back to the stories of our residents. You may have seen the recent video featuring Mark and Carol—two people whose courage and resilience remind us why our mission matters. Their journeys reflect the growing reality facing too many older adults in Massachusetts: rising housing costs, limited affordable options, and increasing challenges that put them at risk of homelessness later in life. These are systemic issues, but they are solvable when communities come together.

And that is why, even during a time of gratitude, we are entering the holiday season with a sense of urgency. The need is growing. The calls for help are increasing. And the seniors reaching out to us today cannot afford to wait.

As Giving Tuesday approaches, I invite you to stand with us. Your support ensures that older adults like Mark and Carol have not just a roof over their heads, but the safety, stability, and community that every person deserves. Whether it’s contributing to our furnishing fund, making a donation in honor of someone you love, or simply sharing Hearth’s mission with your network, every action makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for believing that ending homelessness for older adults is possible. And thank you for helping us continue this critical work.

Warm wishes for a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving.

Warm regards,

Rhonda A. Pieroni
President and CEO