​ HUGCLT 2024 EFFORTS & IMPACT
Through the first 3 Quarters of 2024 (January through October), HUG continues to have an indescribable impact on our local community. Our 3 major programs have expanded our efforts and services to address the needs in Mecklenburg County, and we will continue to create and foster partnerships that allow us to not just sustain - but grow, strengthen, and improve our services to best support those who are the most in need.
The Impact Report below highlights the amazing achievements and remarkable statistics of HUG's efforts in the first 10 months of 2024, reflecting a strong commitment and tremendous progress achieved in under a year.
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WESTERN NC SUPPORT
Hurricane Helene has devastated Western NC, prompting HUG to mobilize resources for vulnerable populations in remote areas of Avery and Yancey Counties. While larger communities may receive quicker aid, smaller towns often struggle to recover from both immediate and long-term impacts. HUG committed to providing flexible, immediate, and long-term support, ensuring these overlooked communities receive essential supplies and assistance throughout the recovery process.
In the first 30 days since the flooding, HUG has delivered over 10,000 lbs. of resources and will continue to support clean-up and rebuilding efforts, ensuring no community is left behind.
​ HUG FREE FOOD PANTRY
2021 vs. 2024
Since the inception of our Free Food Pantry Program in January of 2021, HUG has provided over 26,000 full bags of groceries to struggling families and individuals in Mecklenburg County.
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In 2024 alone, we have distributed over 30,000+ Free Diapers, 20,000+ free hygiene items, 15,000+ Adult Incontinence Supplies, and 9,000 feminine hygiene products to those in need.
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Through the power of collaboration and partnerships, we have cut our costs and increased distribution remarkably over the last 4 years:
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2021 vs. 2024 COST PER POUND: 95% DECREASE
2021 vs. 2024 COST PER BAG: 92% DECREASE
2021 vs. 2024 BAG DISTRIBUTION: 438% INCREASE
2021 vs. 2024 LBS. OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED: 761% INCREASE
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Our incredible system of connections has allowed us to continue to grow and expand our impact, regardless of major funding. As we pursue grants and sponsorships from those who connect and believe in our work and efforts, we are still providing tens of thousands of crucial supplies and items to those that need them the most.
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This is why we are deeply committed to our community and incredibly proud of our organization. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our private and individual donors, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers for your unwavering support and hard work. We look forward to doubling these achievements in 2025!
​ HUG HAS PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED
10,395 bags of food (over 80,000 POUNDS)
IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 2024!
​ HUGCLT animal welfare program
In 2024, through establishing an amazing partnership with Stand for Animals (across the street from us) and with the support of Queen City Animal Hospital - we were able to triple our impact on dogs spayed & neutered, animals with shelterless owners receiving basic shots and vetting, and emergency care for pets belonging to elderly/disabled/low income owners in need.
We are working diligently to identify and secure grants to continue this impact rate and re-launch our Fence Build/Freedom Run programming in 2025.
Enjoy the links below highlighting two of our recent successful efforts - one being our own story and narrative (Mandalas) - and the other being a feature on the Dodo, the world's largest social media company focused on animals - which to date has garnered over 15 MILLION VIEWS!
​ HUG STORY: RESCUING MANDALAS
We were in our offices when two women walked in and told us about a sweet, senior dog that had recently lost his human - she is in the hospital and unfortunately - would not be coming home. Even worse - is that she’s all he's known in this world.
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Mandalas had been living alone in an abandoned trailer for almost TWO MONTHS by himself. The neighbors had been taking him into his trailer at night and providing him with food and water, but he just lay there - in filth - and waited.
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Day in, and day out, he waited.
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Every day, he lay in the road, watching for her to come home. The neighbors had begun tying hm to a tree across the street to keep him from being hit by a car, but even then.... he sat and waited.
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Every second of every day, he waited.
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This sweet guy deserved a chance - he deserved more than a life of laying on hot pavement. He deserved more than a life of loneliness and confusion. More than a life of laying in filth and being tended to by strangers while he stares in the distance waiting for someone that’s never coming home.
Our hearts were breaking with every minute we knew he was alone. But we were committed to saving this sweet soul, no matter what it took.
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And it just happened that what it took - was a sweet angel of a woman to take him in and remind him how it felt to be loved , some local vets to nurse him back to health, and the unwavering dedication of our HUG team and community to come together and make sure that he would never, ever wait again....​
​ HUG STORY: RESCUING ROSS
To view Ross's story with The Dodo - just one of our many Hearts United for Good Rescue efforts, watch the video below or simply click here: RESCUING ROSS
"Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean" -
Ryunosuke Satoro
hugclt - the first hand STORIES of impact
Recounts of our experiences, lives we've changed,
and the moments and people that have changed US.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Sometimes, all it takes to see the invisible is opening your heart instead of your eyes.
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This is the story of being lost and found, and how our organization works to help those that no one else can,
FROM HOMELESS TO HOUSING
A story of strength, perseverance, and inspiration; One woman's journey from a
1-person tent to a 2 bedroom home.
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She may have lost her way, but she never lost her hope...
A LITTLE LOVE GOES A LONG WAY
The amazing chronicles of Stormy - the frightened, timid pittie living her whole life outside on a 35lb chain... Until our group of volunteers worked to give her the life she always deserved...
FAITH IN HUMANITY RESTORED
When this brother and sister duo decided to use their Christmas list to provide for those in need instead of themselves, we couldn't help but have our faith in humanity restored...
THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
The story of how a community came together to support a family in need...
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And how they went from living on a bus - to riding one HOME.
