CEO Corner: The 2025 Winter Walk

I am thrilled to share a recap of our participation in the Winter Walk event—a day that not only showcased the strength and unity of our community but also reaffirmed Hearth’s unwavering commitment to ending elder homelessness. 

The Winter Walk is designed to raise awareness and funds to fight homelessness and its stigma. Despite the challenges posed by an exceptionally harsh winter, with heavy snowfall and relentless winds, over 3,000 passionate participants gathered on the Boston Common on Sunday, February 9th to walk together in solidarity. As many of you know, nature had its own plans that day, and we faced a two-hour delay due to the inclement weather. Rather than dampening our spirits, this delay became a powerful reminder of the very challenges our community confronts every day, and of why the Winter Walk is so essential.

Hearth proudly participated this year as a partner organization for this inspiring event, and every moment of the day reinforced our mission to support those experiencing homelessness. One small yet deeply memorable interaction truly captured the essence of our work. An elderly woman approached our booth. We shared a few words and she quietly asked if she could have a lip balm and mints that we had on our table as giveaways for the event. In that brief exchange, her quiet dignity and the simplicity of her request spoke volumes. It was a poignant reminder that even the smallest gestures—often taken for granted—can have a tremendous impact on the health, comfort, and self-respect of our senior neighbors.

This encounter, emblematic of the everyday struggles faced by the elderly in our community, underscored the significance of our mission. At Hearth, we believe that every act of kindness matters. The small comforts we provide are not just about physical warmth; they represent hope, care, and a tangible step toward ensuring that no one is left behind.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who braved the harsh winter conditions that day. Your resilience and determination, coupled with the hard work of our dedicated staff, board members, friends, and family made our participation in the Winter Walk not only a success but also a meaningful milestone in our journey. It is your spirit that inspires us to push forward, no matter how challenging the weather or the circumstances.

As we look back on this event, let us remember that our collective efforts—no matter how small they may seem—can ignite lasting change. Together, we are proving that perseverance and compassion are the keys to building a better, more inclusive community. I am immensely proud of what we accomplished and excited for the future we are creating, step by step.

Thank you for standing with Hearth and for helping us turn even the toughest winter days into opportunities for hope and transformation.

With gratitude,
Rhonda Pieroni
President & CEO