About Us - Our Mission
To accept and distribute donated, recycled household goods free of charge to individuals and families in need through the use of volunteers and in cooperation with community agencies and organizations.Our History
HGRM began out of the garage of Ira and Barbara Smith in 1990 when they helped a refugee from El Salvador who had arrived in the US with 
nothing. A call to neighbors and friends yielded enough material to furnish an apartment with goods left over. By matching the great need for household items with the generosity of the surrounding communities, HGRM has grown to an organization that has served many thousands of individuals and families since its inception. From the Smiths’ garage, HGRM moved to a church basement and then in 2004 to its current facility on Main Street in Acton.
This year, 600 volunteers walked through the doors of HGRM. Our volunteers work with 290 social service agencies to help over 2,655 families a year to rebuild their homes and start their lives over.
Who We Serve
The people served by HGRM have at least one thing in common — they need help during a difficult time. They come from 146 communities in eastern Massachusetts, including many of the more affluent towns.HGRM clients are individuals and families in transition who need help to rebuild their lives. They include:
- victims of fires or floods
- women and children escaping abusive domestic situations
- people coming out of shelters or halfway houses
- war veterans
- refugees and recent immigrants to the U.S.
During our 2012 March Annual Meeting, our board was reorganized with the addition of new officers and directors. An Operations Committee was established to better coordinate day-to-day activities under the direction of Executive Director Sharon Martens.
These volunteers contribute many skills and talents and will make it possible for HGRM to continue to help those in need make a home.
Board of Directors
| Founders & Directors | Ira and Barbara Smith |
| President: | Mimi Deck Rutledge |
| Vice President: | Lee Mapletoft |
| Clerk: | Mark Sigman |
| Treasurer: | Caroline Crosby |
| Directors: | John Fallon John Fanton Beth Neeley-Kubacki Sharon Knox Bob Goddard Priscilla Gannon Philip vanderWilden Mary E. Bassett (Corporate Counsel) |
| Directors Emeriti: | James Eldridge Pamela Harting-Barrat |
Staff
Executive Director Sharon Martens
Volunteer Coordinator Brigid Bieber
Special Inventory Coordinator/Furniture Handler Robert Zink
Some Numbers
Since its inception in 1990, the need for the service provided by HGRM has grown exponentially over the years. Currently, HGRM:- Able to give over 8,133 individuals from 146 towns gently used furniture and household goods valued at $1.8 million dollars.
- Works with 290 social service agencies to meet the needs of their clients, click here to see a partial list of agencies HGRM works with.
- Able to furnish goods directly to 19 agencies to help them further their missions.
- distributed 38,592 large items as well as 9,844 boxes & bags of smaller items
- had over 8,300 donors from 162 towns to help individuals and families make a home
Click here if you would like to join us as a volunteer!
