Homeless Prenatal Program, Inc.

I've volunteered on and off with HPP for a year, and every time I visit, I'm impressed. It's a colorful, comfortable, well-run space. It feels hopeful. You can tell that the employees want to be there, and that the moms and dads who visit HPP want to do the best by their children. Sharon B., the volunteer coordinator, is so nice and very on top of things. I've volunteered at their various events, and everything runs so smoothly! I'm inspired by everyone involved.

HPP was a great place to volunteer. The staff is great and a lot of them have been through the same struggles as the clients. The people we helped really appreciated my time and I felt like I was making a difference.

Wonderful program that offers a variety of services for both parents and children. Use of the computer center and the sewing/art center. Counseling and clothing plus food.

Although I didn't get a great first impression things changed. They have realy been there for me and my son. They have been a support for me, they are there to hear me out,they have helped me with housing, food and have guided me to see my thoughts and dreams turn into reality. They are a great organization. I would just recommend that you speak up, continue to call for updates and work through the changes since they help so many families that you might fall through the cracks.

At my high school, every year there is a volunteer fair where students roam around the student center and try to pick what agencies they would like to get involved with to complete their community service graduation requirements. As I flipped through my large stack of brochures, no agency seemed to spark my interest. However, as I walked by the Homeless Prenatal table, the bright orange flyers caught my eye and I remembered a friend describing her great experience with the program. After talking with the reps for a few minutes and learning about the unique volunteer experience available at HPP, I grabbed a business card and a few months later signed up to be a regular summer volunteer. My experiences at HPP were wonderful. Unlike many of my peers who got stuck stacking shelves and sorting garbage at other agencies around the city, I was able to spend my volunteer shifts helping with activities that pertained to my own personal interests such as art and child care. From the very first day, everyone from the Case Managers, to the Community Health Workers, to the regular clients were welcoming, enthusiastic, and extremely appreciative towards my presence in the program. The HPP environment is full of warmth and optimism, and I could not believe how quickly my relationships grew with everyone. I will never forget the day two young and quiet brothers entered childcare and refused to let go of their mom’s hands. However, by the end of their mom’s meeting, even though I promised I would be back the next day, they refused to leave their new friend and unfinished puzzles behind. This is just one example of HPP’s ability to bring friendship and guidance to children and parents alike. I hope to return to the program soon, but in the mean time, I plan to carry out the many values of caring, kindness, and service that Homeless Prenatal so beautifully encompasses into my own life and the community around me

I admire HPP for its belief that all mothers and families deserve the best, regardless of their situation. As an organization, HPP addresses all aspects of pregnancy, parenthood and families, from emergency food supplies to prenatal yoga. It strives to provides mothers and families with not only the bare necessities, but to make pregnancy and parenthood a positive experience and an opportunity to change things for the better. As a volunteer, I get to see pregnant mothers walking out not only with food and diapers, but with the knowledge that there is an entire community to support them that extends beyond the walls of the building. I also experience the success of HPP's programs simply by meeting the staff. Half of them are former clients, but I honestly would never know who falls into the category of formerly homeless mother and who does not. This community of women supporting women is what draws me back everytime and makes the one-way hour and a half bus ride worth it the minute I walk through the doors.

I help mothers who are part of the Homeless Prenatal Program obtain tax credits at a time in their life when every dollar is very important. I have spent around 400 hours a year doing this for the last three years. Something pulls me there. Recently, I have started helping clients solve other tax problems. What I do is a very small piece of what Homeless Prenatal Program does in helping mothers reconstruct their lives and achieve happiness. HPP is a rare jewel. For me, having volunteered at over thirty social service organizations during the past years, Homeless Prenatal stands out in a very special way. Effective caring is woven throughout their cultural fabric. I can't describe it very well but I certainly can feel it. If you go there, I am sure you will too.

A very big-hearted and selfless organization. I have nothing but great things to say about Martha and the whole crew.

Homeless Prenatal Program is a wonderful organization. They provide an amazing standard of fundamental services to all who pass through their doors, and they do it with love and compassion.