Newsletters

Giving Tuesday 2024: It takes a village to run Home Away.

We are immensely thankful for all the support we receive from donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Thank you for all that you do!

This year, our students have achieved remarkable growth—improving their grades, building confidence, and staying engaged in their learning. We’ve seen how having a safe, welcoming space can change lives. Whether it’s a cozy spot for tutoring, a shared table for community dinners, or gathering areas for workshops and support, our spaces are at the heart of their success.

To continue this impact, both of our buildings—SchoolHouse and Beach House—need essential maintenance. With your support this Giving Tuesday, we can ensure these spaces remain safe, functional, and full of possibility. Your gift doesn’t just fix walls or roofs—it sustains a haven where students can dream big, grow, and thrive.

Every dollar brings us closer to our $100K goal and keeps these homes strong for the youth who depend on them. Let’s make it happen together!

This Giving Tuesday, your generosity can help us continue making these transformations possible.

Together, we’re empowering students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically and beyond. Thank you for being part of their success stories!

Summer at Home Away & Volunteer Impact - July 2024

Our students have been having a great summer. The middle school students are attending camps and summer school. Our high school youth are working, studying and joining the younger kids on weekly special outings. We have an open door policy at the schoolhouse and students come and go as they please. It has been great to hear to their stories and travel around the Bay Area to explore and have fun with them!

Home Away would not be what it is without our volunteers. You all have truly made a difference in our students lives.

This past year's impacts includes:

85% of the students with a C grade level made academic improvements.

80% of the students with chronic absenteeism improved their attendance.

100% of high school students were accepted into a 4 year college.

90% of the students self reported having a caring adult at Home Away.

100% of the students self reported learning something new at Home Away.

Changes at A Home Away from Homelessness - June 2024

As part of the leadership team at BACR, we want to keep you all in the loop about the current plan regarding A Home Away From Homelessness. First, we want to strongly appreciate your commitment to Home Away and your generous donation of time and talent to benefit the incredible youth we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to support.

We recognize that this program news is important to you, and we will confirm some details before sharing them with the wider Home Away community. We are a resilient program, and we are confident these changes will not impact our core mission. 

Join our Volunteer & Community Open House - January 11th  As we come to the end of the year, we continue to appreciate the amazing support of our students and program!  A BIG part of what makes HomeAway special for our students is the feeling of community that surrounds them.  We want to continue to encourage connections between our volunteers and find ways to broaden our network to support our growing school house program and re-launched beach house program.  One of the best ways to find the right volunteers for our program is through our existing network of awesome folks who understand our purpose and needs!  

Join us from 5 - 7 on Thursday, January 11th for our first Open House of 2024! We will have a brief presentation at 6PM to share a few stories about volunteering at HomeAway. Is there anyone in your family or broader community who would be interested in seeing HomeAway up close?  If so, please bring them along! 

Exciting Updates and Opportunities at A Home Away From Homelessness - 08/22/23

Summary of the Newsletter -

Join us on Friday, September 15 from 4:30 - 7:00pm at the School House (Building 33, Upper Fort Mason, SF) for a fun happy hour and appreciation of our staff, volunteers and the incredible Home Away community.

All are welcome to attend this community event! Come enjoy a beverage, meet our team, tour the School House and learn more about our special programs serving youth experiencing homelessness.  

In addition, we have an urgent need to fundraise for a new van to support our expanding programs, with a target of $12,000. Also, we're excited to welcome Char Nelson as our new Beach House Program Manager.

We are actively looking for volunteers to fill various roles. Your support, both through donations and participation, can truly make a significant impact as we continue our mission to provide a nurturing space for youth experiencing homelessness.

Home Away awarded $20,000 prize by The Center for Civic Engagement at Lick-Wilmerding High School.

Chosen through a competitive grant process by students in the Philantrhopy Initiative Class, Home Away is a proud recipient of this award for substantive betterment of society. 

Home Away Selected for Lurie Foundation Legacy Grant

Home Away is awarded a $350,000 Legacy Grant as the Louis R. Lurie Foundation closes its doors. 

Marin Independent Journal Features Home Away Fundraiser

Our annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Nature Friends Tourist Club was featured in an article in the Marin Independent Journal. 

There’s No Place like Home Away

The National Park Service features Home Away in their Call to Action.