Arts for Warm Hearts

 Arts for Warm Hearts brought together students from across campus -- from arts groups to global health groups to homeless shelter staff -- in an effort to raise funds for the local homeless community in Harvard Square. 

Art by Emily Hong

  Extra layers of warmth from gloves, socks, and hats can help those experiencing homelessness avoid direct cold-related injuries and prevent the exacerbation of existing health issues. After studying the relationship between health and housing, HUGHF organized the inaugural Arts for Warm Hearts (AWH) fundraiser in winter 2019, donating proceeds to Harvard Square’s student-run homeless shelters to buy warm gear for guests. Thanks to the sale of student art, HUGHF raised $100 each for Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and Y2Y.

  For the art sale, Harvard community members donated original pieces ranging from portrait paintings to pen drawings. HUGHF displayed photos of the art on an online platform, where Harvard students could claim any piece for $4. Arts for Warm Hearts allowed students to brighten their dorm "homes" while supporting those in Harvard Square without a home of their own.

   In total, the fundraiser sold 40 pieces of community art. Olivia Tai ’19 and Emily Hong ’21 donated the greatest number of artworks, with Olivia sharing nine paintings and drawings and Emily contributing eleven graphic designs. Former Leverett House Faculty Dean Ann Georgi donated five photographs from her experience as a birdwatcher. 

HUGHF would like to thank all the artists and students who made AWH possible!

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