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Who Are We

Heal The Hood is a grassroots movement committed to empowering marginalized communities through community organizing, holistic healing, and resource distribution to foster self-determination, equity, and collective growth.

What We Believe

  • Community-Led Organizing: Empowering those most impacted by oppression to lead and innovate.

  • Arts as Organizing: Leveraging community arts as a tool for expression and mobilization.

  • Education for Self-Determination: Providing community education to build a strong foundation for organizing and leadership.

  • Direct Control of Resources: Supporting initiatives led by those directly impacted by social issues.

The Problem

Why Heal the Hood Supports:

  • Youth in Roxbury/Dorchester: At-risk youth need safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

  • Returning Citizens: Those who have been incarcerated face barriers to reintegration and deserve support in reclaiming their lives.

  • Low-Income Families: Food insecurity, financial instability, and lack of resources require targeted support.

Group of diverse young adults and teenagers smiling outdoors in winter, dressed in warm clothing, standing and kneeling on snow-covered ground with leafless trees in the background.

How Heal the Hood Addresses These Issues:

Food Insecurity: Weekly "Feed the Hood" distributions to over 60,000 low-income individuals in Boston.

Community Healing & Gentrification: Advocacy, organizing, and mutual aid to ensure community members have the power to shape their futures.

Financial Insecurity: Direct funding, job training, and mentorship for returning citizens and marginalized groups.

Youth Development: After-school programs, summer sessions, and community building to support youth engagement and leadership.

Our Approach

Since 2021, Heal the Hood has served over 50 youth with after-school programs offering mentorship, tutoring, meals, and safe spaces. Our weekly Feed the Hood distributions have provided 60,000 individuals with essential items. In 2023, we expanded our initiatives:

  • People’s Free Store: Addressing basic needs for those in crisis.

  • G’s to Gents: Supporting 1,200+ returning citizens through events focused on healing and development.

  • House of Creativity: Showcasing artwork by 50 incarcerated artists and amplifying their voices.

  • Heal the Hood: Summer Sessions: Engaged 30 youth with creative and educational activities.