Heart and Home Closet
Helping Caregivers Welcome Children with Dignity
When children enter foster care or kinship care, they don't always arrive with the essentials they need. Caregivers are often faced with providing clothing, toiletries, bedding, school supplies, and comfort items at a moment's notice, sometimes before funding or agency resources become available. The Heart and Home Closet was created to bridge that gap. By providing practical essentials when they are needed most, we help reduce the stress of unexpected placements and ensure children feel welcomed, cared for, and supported from the very beginning.
Welcome Home Kits
One of the first ways we support caregivers is through our Welcome Home Kits. Prepared for different age groups, these ready-to-go kits contain essential items that help children settle into their new environment with comfort and dignity while giving caregivers immediate peace of mind. Depending on availability, kits may include:
- ✓ Clothing and pyjamas
- ✓ Underwear and socks
- ✓ Toiletries and personal care items
- ✓ Blankets
- ✓ Comfort items and books
- ✓ School supplies
- ✓ Baby essentials
- ✓ Age appropriate activity items
Heart and Home Closet
Beyond the Welcome Home Kits, caregivers can request additional essentials through the Heart and Home Closet. Available items may include:
- ✓ Clothing Collection — everyday clothing, shoes, coats, and seasonal wear
- ✓ Baby Essentials Collection — diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets, and other infant necessities
- ✓ School Ready Collection — backpacks, lunch bags, notebooks, pencils, and educational supplies
- ✓ Comfort Collection — blankets, books, toys, and comfort items that help children feel safe and at home
- ✓ Everyday Essentials Collection — toiletries, hygiene products, bedding, and other practical household items
- ✓ Inventory is based on community donations and availability
How We Support
- ✓ Request Support — request items through our online support form and our team will follow up to arrange a pickup or other suitable option
- ✓ Emergency Placement Support — Welcome Home Kits provide immediate essentials while caregivers await agency processes or other resources
- ✓ Community Closet Days — throughout the year, caregivers are invited to browse available items and connect with other caregivers in a welcoming environment
Help Stock the Heart and Home Closet
The Heart and Home Closet is made possible through the generosity of our community.
- ✓ Donate new or gently used items
- ✓ Sponsor a Welcome Home Kit
- ✓ Organize a collection drive
- ✓ Volunteer your time
- ✓ Make a financial contribution toward urgently needed essentials
Every Stage of the Journey
Every Hearts and Mind program has been intentionally designed to reduce caregiver burden, strengthen wellbeing, and build meaningful community. Whether caregivers need practical relief, emotional support, education, or connection, our programs provide opportunities to grow, recharge, and thrive.
Helping Caregivers Welcome Children with Dignity
We're here for you — reach out and our team will follow up as soon as possible.
Request Support Contact Us Complete A Request Form Here