Happy New years to all.  We pray that 2025 was a year filled with blessings for each and every one of you.

In 2025 we accomplished quite a bit to help the homeless avd shelter bound communities of Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA.  We were able to donate and distribute over two thousand toiletry kits and almost 200 new winter coats to homeless individuals. 

It was a bit of a challenge at times considering that our funding was limited this year.   There are changes in the political environment that had a direct impact on several of our funding sources. However, God is good and He allowed us to continue serving Him.  He made the way!

So I would like to thank God. 

Secondly thank you to the board of directors and those who volunteered their time and efforts like Rev. Sean Brown. 

Also, Thank you to our shelter partners for all the good work that you do.  And I would also like to thank those shelter residents who help me when I bring donations…..you come out and help me with the bags and boxes….God bless you.

This is Mary Oliver-Benoit, and first and foremost I want to extend a thank you to all the people and organizations that have supported our mission in one way or another whether it be through a donation, a grant, or a kind word of encouragement.

One of the questions I am asked the most when I attend networking and social events…”why are you doing this, where did this idea come from?”

While many of you know how we were inspired to set up the foundation, you may not know that we are also charged with maintaining a legacy of giving and caring.

My mother and father were instrumental in the growth and maintenance of their respective churches here in the greater Hartford area.  My father was a Deacon and my mom often cooked for the church to help them raise money and provide a hot meal for churchgoers.

My parents also sponsored many family members from the South who wanted to transition up North by providing a free place to stay until they got on their feet.   My father was also the one who the relatives would call when they were in a financial jam and he would always help them without judgement.

Meanwhile, my husband’s father in Chicago was a Deacon with his church who emphasized the power of prayer in the church community.  While he was a very busy man with his job as a union organizer where he spent his days saving jobs, he made it a point to go to the shelters in the city on Sunday nights to uplift, encourage and help those in need.  Many times he would take my husband’s niece with him so she could sing to the residents of the shelters.

My father in law was the kind of man who, if he didn’t have the money to help someone in need, he would borrow the money to achieve that purpose.

So this is the legacy that we are charged to uphold, following the examples set by these wonderful individuals; to love and care for each other, and do what we are able to do to help one another.  

• Are you concerned about the homeless crisis in the greater Hartford region and Greater Springfield Massachusetts?
• Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
• Are you passionate about restoring dignity to those in need?

Welcome to The Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co., where compassion meets action to make a tangible difference in the lives of the homeless in the Greater Hartford region and Greater Springfield Massachusetts. Our mission is simple yet impactful: to extend a helping hand and restore dignity to those facing homelessness.

In the heart of our community, countless individuals are experiencing the challenges of homelessness. The lack of basic necessities can make their journey even more difficult. That’s where we come in. Through unwavering dedication and a commitment to change, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide essential kits that can bring comfort and support to those in need.

Our kits are more than just items – they symbolize hope, care, and the understanding that our community stands together, ready to uplift one another. Each kit contains items that many of us might take for granted, such as warm socks to shield against the cold, soft washcloths for a sense of cleanliness, and toothbrushes and toothpaste to maintain oral health and more.  These seemingly small items can have a profound impact on someone’s well-being and self-esteem.

But we can’t achieve our goals alone. We invite you to join us in our mission to make a difference. Your support – whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word – is a vital part of this journey. Together, we can extend warmth, comfort, and compassion to those who are striving to overcome the challenges of homelessness.

At The Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co., we understand the challenges faced by the homeless population in the greater Hartford region and Greater Springfield Massachusetts. That’s why we have developed a unique solution to address their immediate needs and help restore their dignity.

One day the pastor at our church said it’s important to pray for other people and not just ourselves.  And that thought resonated with us.  And then we thought what about taking it one step further and actually doing something for other people who really need help.  Through reflection and some study, we found that the homeless population often complains about not having clean socks and items to keep themselves clean and presentable.  And thus, we came up with the idea of providing these items for them.  Next we had to think of a way to get these items distributed to the homeless population.  And we decided that we would form partnerships with local shelters that service these individuals as a means to get the kits distributed.  Each kit includes fresh socks, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, body lotion, deodorant and a comb and brush.  We also donate underwear and other clothing items.  In the winter months we donate coats, gloves and hats.

What sets us apart is our commitment to not just providing physical essentials but also to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We recognize that homelessness goes beyond physical deprivation and can have a profound impact on one’s sense of worth and dignity.

By offering these kits, we aim to not only meet the immediate needs of the homeless but also to uplift their spirits and remind them that they are valued members of our community. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.

If you share our vision of restoring dignity to the homeless, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Click the “Donate” button below to contribute towards providing essential kits and supporting our mission.

We at The Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co. sincerely appreciate your interest and willingness to support our mission. Your donations are crucial in allowing us to continue our work, providing essential kits to the homeless in the greater Hartford region and Springfield, Mass.

Each donation, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. We thank you for your kindness and for standing with us in our commitment to making a positive impact on the homeless communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

You can donate here or mail a check to:

The Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co.

51 Lochview Dr.

Windsor, CT 06095