The HUGO Fund began in March of 1997 when fund founder, Keven Hulings, having resettled at home after 16 months in the hospital, determined that he would like to help other "institution bound" individuals to "get home". Keven was diagnosed with ALS in 1992 and had been "bound to an institution" that he wanted to leave for the security and comfort of home. He did get home after much work and a lot of "bucking the system". Surely there were others out there needing the help that Keven required in his efforts to resettle at home. Keven had friends and family that "sprung him" and he wanted to offer a mechanism to help others desiring to "get home" or to remain at home ...

The HUGO Fund (named after Keven who had the nickname Hugo as a kid) became a fund of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Friends of HUGO organized and the work/fun began.

The HUGO Fund is working to raise public awareness of the plight of those who are anxious to be at home and is actively seeking funds to make the fund a solid part of CRCF.

Although the HUGO Fund has a short history and a track record yet to be tested, Friends of HUGO work every day to build the fund and to gain more Friends.

An individual with a debilitating condition often has a dream of being home. In the process of moving from a dream to reality, the HUGO Fund will offer guidance and points of reference to help with that dream. There is often a myraid of obstacles that keep individuals "institution bound". The HUGO Fund will work to help individuals to cut through the mass of paperwork, acquire specialized equipment, arrange home environments, etc. so that returning home or remaining at home can become a reality.

1. To assist/help/steer individuals with plans/equipment/schedules/etc. when desiring to "be home".
2. To refer individuals to agencies that can help them with "getting home" (Veterans Administration, Medicare, etc.)
3. To keep the community informed about debilitating conditions.
4. To work toward legistative changes that would facilitate home care.
5. To raise funds to meet the needs of the community of people desiring to reach the above goals.
6. To develop new projects and/or affiliations to meet the fund's goals.