Press releases

Palm City Presbyterian gives
to House of Hope

PRESS RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 19, 2008

Representatives of Palm City Presbyterian Church recently visited House of Hope to present a $2,500 donation.

Bill and Sarah Bangley toured House of Hope’s service center in Stuart and were impressed by the operation. Mr. Bangley is a relatively new deacon at Palm City Presbyterian and wanted to visit the organizations to which the church makes donations.

The couple had been unaware of the massive amount of service that House of Hope provides to people in Martin County. During their visit Dec. 19, they were able to see the food pantry and thrift store in action as well as toys and bikes awaiting families for Christmas. They also learned about the emergency financial assistance program and the agency’s case management services to help people get back on their feet and achieve stability.

Now, they feel confident in spreading the word about the work that House of Hope does to help people who are struggling through hard times. For example:

• HOH is the largest provider of food for people in need Martin County. In 2008, HOH will provide more than 120 tons of food — equaling more than 280,000 meals. A third of this amount feeds hungry children.

• Each year HOH gives away about 50,000 garments and household items free to those who would otherwise go without.

• In 2008, HOH will help more than 325 families by providing emergency financial assistance to pay critical bills such as rent, utilities and health care.

• HOH has a social worker on staff to help people who have the opportunity -- with guidance -- to become economically independent and self-reliant. The case manager works with individuals to help them access the resources and training they need to succeed and bring stability to their lives.

The thrift stores at the four House of Hope locations – Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown and Jensen Beach -- provide one-third of the agency’s cash income, enabling the agency to help people.

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