Stories of Hope and Help

Above: Deb & Carlos Gonzales with House of Hope
case worker Yolanda Owens (center) and the donated car --
a 1997 Lincoln with 120,000 miles that was given to
House of Hope by a resident of Mariner Sands.

Here is a note received June 21, 2010, from a client that House of Hope helped in a significant way -- first through the Emergency Financial Assistance program and then the Case Management program:

We had fallen on very hard times due to my husband being laid off from his job and then myself going through surgery and health problems. I was out of work for about 2 1/2 months (February through April 2010) and I came to House of Hope in a very desperate state of mind.

I was assigned to Yolanda (I call her my guardian angel) and she worked with me and helped us with our rent and car insurance. What a blessing!

I had just returned to work in late April and was only back a couple of weeks when my dad passed away. I called Yolanda, just to talk, and she came to my home right away. In the course of our visit, Yolanda told me a car had been donated to House of Hope and would we be interested in having it. I thought she was joking. I told her, Yes, of course!

My husband's car had been broken down for about five months and was beyond repair, and we had been sharing one car. I would never have dreamed that someone would just give us a car.

I was at my lowest point, just losing my best friend -- my beloved dad -- and God shined through all my grief.

We now have a beautiful new car  and my husband was offered a job at the company he had been doing day labor for. He starts today (6/21/2010)!

Thank you House of Hope and thank you Yolanda!

Sincerely, Deb & Carlos Gonzalez

Here is a note from a Palm City man who sent a check for $250, representing the federal stimulus money he and his wife received.

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your assistance with our move! We could never have done that without you and would have lost nearly all of our belongings.

Years ago we could have pulled this off between my husband, myself and a U-Haul, but our deteriorating health has changed things. My husband has had to undergo two back surgeries. The last one was major with rods and cages now in his back. Unfortunately, the last surgery may have saved his leg but he still suffers in tremendous pain every day and cannot do the simplest of things anymore like putting on his shoes and socks.

I have several medical conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia. But on top of that, I suffered a stroke last year and it seems like everything is even more difficult since then. We do have a teenage daughter, but she is in worse shape than we are believe it or not. She suffers everyday in pain. She has severe arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, migraines, severe osteoporosis and multiple other things as well. She is currently having infusions to help, but they are not even holding her well. Also, because of the infusions, she has no immune system and is sick all the time.

On top of all the health issues, I lost my job in December with nothing in sight to replace it and I was two-thirds of our household income. So between the financial inability to pay for help and the physical inability to do it ourselves, we were truly scared of this move and that we would just have to leave everything behind.

So thanks to you we were able to move everything, which made the move that much less of a traumatic event for our kids.

Thank you…thank you….thank you!

I would like to take the time to thank you for the food you provided my family. Sara [the Hobe Sound branch manager] was so helpful giving me information to find resources for the future. ... My daughter was mugged and beaten in January. The men broke her arm in the robbery and she was unable to work for several weeks. I was injured in 2005 and have not worked since, so my daughter picked up the slack and helps me in so many ways.

We were having a very rough patch, so I can't tell you what a ray of sunshine the House of Hope is to me.

-- J.S.C.

Enclosed is a money gift for your charity, House of Hope.  I hope this small donation helps a needy child, adult or both. 

This charity is close to my heart.  Anyone in need, I try to help.  The way the economy is heading, people we know and love may be needy.  House of Hope is just that! 

“Hope” is a universal word.  “Hope” is Faith, Hope is Believing!

-- Judy, Palm City

I don’t know where we would be if it were not for House of Hope. My family had been going through some hard times. My husband was suffering from a head injury and unable to walk. We were hungry and they fed us. Our lights were on the verge of being turned off, and they stepped in. Our rent was way behind and again House of Hope was there.

My 2-year-old son was having behavior problems and House of Hope gave me the resources to seek medical attention for him. As a result, he has been diagnosed as autistic. The neuro-specialist has hope that through medication, the condition can be contained since it was detected at such an early age. I owe this to House of Hope.

They have done so much for us financially, emotionally and spiritually. Just knowing a friendly voice is only a phone call away is a great relief.

When I think of House of Hope, one word comes to mind – friendship!

-- C.B.

Caroline was a 30-something single mom when she visited House of Hope in late 2006. She fit the criteria of an HOH client – working but due to unforeseen circumstances – not able to pay her electric bill. She had received a paid leave of absence from her employer to have surgery. However, complications arose after the operation that exceeded the amount of time her employer would pay her salary.

We provided Caroline with food and paid her electric bill. “I never had to ask for help before, but the people at HOH did not embarrass me in any way,” she said. “They were gracious and warm and seemed to understand my situation.”

In late 2007, Caroline was offered a better job, but when her current employer learned that she was leaving, they fired her several weeks before the new job started. Once again, Caroline came to HOH for rent assistance and was able to receive help through HOH’s EFA program.

Caroline now has a good job and is raising funds and collecting groceries to help a friend get back on her feet.

You all have done a lot for us while I’m not working. You have helped my sons and daughter out so much… I cannot thank you enough for helping us. You all show so much love and kindness. I wish I could do more for you.  Thank you!  Thank you!

– D.S., Jensen Beach

My wife and I would like you to know that the House of Hope has played a monumental part in my rehabilitation. After my spine surgery, the sofa, upright chair and coffee table will be key in my healing. I’m very grateful for your support in a time of dire need. Thank you from the hearts of my wife and myself. 

– S.C., Stuart

Thank you for your financial blessing.  My back was against the wall and I did not know where to turn and you opened your arms to me and showed me love.  I paid the balance of my mortgage with my first pay check.

-- F.L., Stuart

In March 2008 my son was hit by a pick-up truck while riding his bike to school. Our community offered so much help during his recovery.  He just celebrated his 6th birthday and requested donations instead of gifts and asked for donations to the HOH food pantry as a way to give back to the community that so graciously supported us.  Please use the enclosed donations for supplies for the food pantry.

-- A. & J.B., Palm City

I want to thank you for the understanding, kindness and compassion.  You have given me hope by knowing in this county there are people like you. Being old and sick is hard but being sick and very alone is much, much harder.  Thank you.

-- C.K.S.

Thank you for your assistance with the food.  I am a widowed 76-year-old lady and on a fixed income.  This helps me to be able to pay my bills.  Thank you again.  May the Lord bless you.

-- E.B.F., Stuart

We would like to express our thanks and gratitude for all that you have done to make our children’s Christmas a very special one. I personally did not realize just how bad things really were going to be for us until you all stepped in.  Thank you.

-- E.C.

Thank you for being here to serve Martin County. Thank you all for being faithful to your mission and contributing your time and effort to make a difference.  We trust this check will go to good use – in helping the needy in our community.

-- J. & D.T., Palm City