Press releases

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney visits
House of Hope

PRESS RELEASE DATE: FEB. 18, 2009

Freshman U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, visited House of Hope on Feb. 17 to see first-hand how the agency is dealing with the increasing demand for basic human needs during the current economic downturn.

“I wanted to come down and see what you all do,” Rooney told the volunteers, board members and staff gathered for his visit. “It’s not going to be easy, but there are people out there who are in a position to help.  We are going to have to rely on people helping people for donations, volunteers and funding. That’s why I want to bring exposure to agencies like this.”

House of Hope, which is marking its 25th year of service to Martin County, is on the front lines of the economic crisis. During the past year, House of Hope’s client base has swelled, with so many people newly unemployed or unable to stretch low wages to match increases in food, gas and housing prices.

Rep. Rooney toured the agency’s Stuart facility, 2484 Bonita Street, which includes:

• A Food Pantry that is the largest provider of food to Martin County’s hungry.

• A thrift store that doubles as the agency’s Clothes Closet program. The program distributes thousands of garments and household items to people in need.

• The agency’s case management and Emergency Financial Assistance programs, which offer resources to help families stay in their homes, find work and services, and climb toward greater stability.

“Put yourself in other people’s shoes,” Rep. Rooney said in conveying his message about House of Hope. “You are never too far from a situation where you need help, and that’s what these people [at House of Hope] are here for.”

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