Established in 2017, Welcome Home Dayton was founded to support individuals who have experienced homelessness. Inspired by her own experience with homelessness, April Alford-Barclay, Founder, and her mother, the late Hazel Felicha Alford, found themselves homeless when April was six-years-old. While homeless, April remembers living on the street, as well as staying with friends, commonly referred to as couch surfing. During this time, a friend of April’s mom was very helpful and made sure that they had the items that they needed. Her kindness and generosity sparked something within April, becoming the catalyst for April’s desire to give back to her community.
At Welcome Home Dayton, we furnish and decorate apartments/homes for people who are transitioning from homelessness, as well as foster youth who are about to, or have aged out of the foster care system. The items that we use to furnish our clients' spaces are donated by members of the Dayton community, and we also use funds to purchase much needed items to make each space cozy for our clients.
During the time that April and her mom were homeless, April saw and felt the indignity of being handed leftovers that were not fit for consumption, as well as being given items that should have been thrown out. April never wanted another human being to feel the way she did in those moments. When April founded Welcome Home Dayton, people would attempt to donate items that should have been thrown out. There is a mindset that people should be happy with whatever they receive, because it’s more than what they have.
At Welcome Home Dayton, we believe that everyone has the right to enjoy a home they love, a dignified space to call their own. Welcome Home Dayton is here to bridge the gap in the community. We are here to change lives, one home at a time.
Our Mission
To serve our community and change lives by transforming four bare walls into a safe, dignified space.
Welcome Home Dayton In Action
Our Purpose
To furnish and decorate homes for people who are transitioning from homelessness. Welcome Home Dayton repurposes gently used furniture and household goods to create a space that our clients are proud to call home. Our services allows our clients to focus on improving education, home life, employment and building a better future.
