Operation Housewarming- Kitchen Updates
In 2012, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos began Operation Housewarming, a mission to assist homeless veterans in their transition to independent living through the Veterans Administration (VA) New England Healthcare System. The program has collected thousands of household items to assist homeless veterans in their transition to independent living throughout New England. Operation Housewarming became an immediate success through the kindness and generosity of the Metropolis of Boston Parishes and Philoptochos Chapters and is one of our main ministries for nearly a decade.
At our most recent event, the Virtual Dream Gala, George Safiol, a veteran himself, made a very generous donation of $10,000 to Operation Housewarming. The Chairs of Operation Housewarming and the President of the Philoptochos Board met with members of the VA Health Care System to identify their needs and where the funds would best be utilized. On Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Metropolis of Boston, the check was presented to Milton Hall, Director of Transitional Residential Program and Shara Katsos, VISN 1 Deputy Homeless Coordinator of the VA New England Healthcare System.
The $10,000 will be used to benefit our homeless veteran population residing in a Transitional Residential Program at three locations: Crescent House in Lowell MA, Domiciliary in Bedford MA, and the Transitional House in Boston MA. The funds will be used for renovations to the kitchen spaces including new appliances and furnishings. In these three residential locations, much like our own homes, the kitchens are a space of cooking, learning, and gathering providing a vital opportunity for veterans to come together for meals and holidays. The work will begin immediately with a target completion date of May 2021.
for kitchen renovations.
The VA’s Transitional Residential Program is a unique rehabilitation program designed to intervene in the cycle of homelessness and institutionalization by providing an environment in which veterans can acquire skills and supports needed to function productively and independently in competitive employment and community-based housing.
The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos is greatly appreciative of the continuous support received from the Parishes and Chapters throughout New England. We are certainly making a difference in the lives of these heroes!
Visit the Operation Housewarming page for more information on how you can get involved!
household items for Operation Housewarming.
Updated March 15, 2021
