Caedan Wallace and dad focus on family homelessness

In his second year with the New England Patriots, Caedan Wallace has shown he’s a team player, approaching his job with enthusiasm, flexibility and grit.  

He’s carrying that same attitude off the field, ensuring his community efforts are a family and team affair. 

Shortly after the Patriots drafted him in 2024, Wallace established the nonprofit Caedan Cares.  The foundation is focused on empowering youth and strengthening families through resources and programs, fostering resilience, opportunity, and lasting impact.

Wallace recently kicked off a partnership with Heading Home, a leading local nonprofit providing shelter and housing for homeless families and individuals.

This past week, Heading Home held an “Up & Out Move,” helping a 32-year-old mother and her two children, a 7-year-old daughter and her 3-year-old son move into their new apartment. 

Heading Home’s Up & Out Program is an opportunity to experience the heart of Heading Home’s mission. It offers companies and groups the opportunity to turn an empty apartment into a welcoming home for a family leaving homelessness behind. In one day, volunteers work together to outfit an apartment – from purchasing household goods, food, and essentials, to assembling furniture and decorating bedrooms – to alleviate the financial burden for a Heading Home family.

The move coincided with Patriots practice. So, Caedan tapped his off-the-field team, including his dad, Dr. Charles A. Wallace II, to fill in. 

“As Managing Director of Caedan Cares, being able to hand the keys to this deserving mother was beyond gratifying — it was profoundly impactful,” said Dr. Wallace II. “Today wasn’t just about filling an apartment; it was about opening the door to stability, hope, and a brighter future for her and her children!” 

In addition to securing permanent housing this month, the mom had dreamed of completing her degree and becoming a teacher. In June, she graduated with her associate’s degree in early childhood education and secured a position as a Toddler Teacher. 

“Knowing a mother and her children will finally have a place to truly call home is beyond words. This is more than furniture and supplies — it’s hope, dignity, and a fresh start,” Caedan said.  “At Caedan Cares, we believe every family deserves stability and love, and being part of Heading Home’s mission reminds me why we do this work.” 

Caedan’s off-the-field team joined Danielle Ferrier, CEO, and Heading Home Board members Kelly Gross Douglas and Nancy Solomon along with volunteers from Bain Capital, City Wide Facilities Solutions Boston, First Citizens Bank and GMA Foundations.

“We are excited to have Caedan on our team. Right away, he embraced the magnitude of what was going to happen last week; a young family who had been living in shelter for more than a year, moving into permanent housing that will provide them with the stability and security they had long sought and deserved,” said Ferrier. “Much like our entire mission, an Up and Out requires teamwork, and community gets it done. Caedan wanted to be part of it in some way. He knew he had football obligations, so he said, ‘dad, I need you there.’”