Press releases

House of Hope's cupboard getting bare

PRESS RELEASE DATE: SEPT 23, 2008

Food and financial assistance are running low at House of Hope because of an increased demand for services compounding the usual lull between major food drives and fund-raisers.

Low-wage workers and fixed-income seniors depend on the Food Pantry to help fill the gaps of what they are able to afford. “When people are deciding whether to fill a prescription or fill the gas tank, being able to receive food from House of Hope is a great relief,” said Kathy Carmody, senior program manager.

The Emergency Financial Assistance program helps people pay critical bills to ease them through a time of crisis such as a layoff, a health problem, or a sudden financial emergency that depletes their resources. “The program often means the difference between having a place to live and being homeless,” Carmody said, adding that clients are carefully screened.

However, both programs are running low, and House of Hope itself is in need of assistance.

The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive in May stocks the warehouse with tons of food, and people also donate generously during the holidays. House of Hope usually experiences a dip in resources at this time of the year, but the problem is being compounded by the current economic climate.

Declining jobs and rising prices are plunging more and more families into crisis, as seen by the more than 50 percent increase in requests for service at House of Hope over the past two years.

“We have had a significant increase in ‘customers,’ but no increase in donations to match that demand,” said Patrick Slattery, executive director of House of Hope.

To help, people may send monetary donations to House of Hope, 2484 SE Bonita Street, Stuart, FL 34997-5004. Or they may donate food, clothing and thrift store items.

House of Hope is short of the following food items and toiletries:

• Canned tomatoes and fruit.

• Canned milk.

• Canned meat and fish.

• Cereal and rice.

• Toothpaste, soap, shampoo.

• Toilet paper.

• Laundry detergent.

Donations of food or thrift store items may be brought to any of House of Hope branch:

Stuart
2484 SE Bonita St.
Stuart, FL 34997-5004
(772) 286-4673

Jensen Beach
1313 NE Jensen Beach Blvd.
(772) 225-1060

Indiantown
15516 Osceola St.
(772) 597-6397

Hobe Sound
11760 SE Dixie Hwy.
(772) 545-9342

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-HOPE (4673), or visit www.hohmartin.org.