House of Hope programs

House of Hope's service programs provide assistance to Martin County residents in need.

• Food Pantry.

• Clothes Closet: Clothing and small household goods.

• Project HOPE: Financial assistance, case management, furniture and appliances, holiday programs.

Eligibility varies for each program. Appointments are required for Project HOPE programs, but Martin County residents can walk in and receive food and clothing assistance at the House of Hope location nearest them (Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown and Jensen Beach).

To make an appointment or ask questions, please call (772) 286-4673 during normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The House of Hope's food pantries are the leading source of food for the hungry in Martin County.  With answers to a few simple questions, people can receive a supply of nutritionally balance groceries. For example, a family of four will usually be given about 25 pounds of staples -- enough to sustain them for a few days.

As more people struggle with their monthly bills, they are increasingly turning to food banks to help stretch their dollars. About one-third to one-half of the food provided by House of Hope feeds hungry children in Martin County. Senior citizens on low fixed incomes also represent a large portion of the clients regularly served by House of Hope food pantries.

Service statistics for 2008-2011 (PDF)

Families seeking help from House of Hope often lack the resources to buy sufficient clothing and other necessities. House of Hope's "Clothes Closet" program provides clothing and small household necessities free or a significantly low cost to people who would otherwise do without.

The "Clothes Closets" at each House of Hope location double as income-producing stores. Donations and purchases help House of Hope provide services to people struggling through hard times.

Service statistics for 2008-2011 (PDF)

Project HOPE (Helping Others Progress through Empowerment) includes financial assistance, case management, help with furniture and appliances, and holiday programs.

Financial Assistance: Since the mid-1990s, House of Hope has conducted a program to pay the rent/mortgage, household utilities or prescription medications for families and individuals who are struggling for stability at times of crisis. Typically, these people are low-wage workers, low fixed-income seniors, single parents, and people facing a sudden life crisis (divorce, abandonment, abuse, death in the family, major medical issue, etc.). 

Case Management: Over the years, House of Hope generally has focused on providing short-term aid to help people get through a period of crisis. However, people who request help from House of Hope generally have more complex problems that one-time assistance can provide. Additionally, in today’s disastrous economic climate, many clients are newly unemployed middle-class wage earners who have exhausted their personal resources. They are suddenly desperate and unfamiliar with services and benefits that may be available to them.

In 2008, the agency implemented a case management program to address these longer-term needs and help guide people toward economic stability and self-reliance. In addition to being able to provide short-term financial relief, case workers can help clients make a plan for bringing greater stability to their lives -- and the lives of their family members.  Such planning involves helping clients access training and educational opportunities, referring them to other support services in the community, and helping them improve life skills such as managing their household finances.

Furniture and appliances: This component of Project Hope has eligibility guidelines similar to the financial assistance program. Clients often are families who need a bed for their children, or women who are escaping domestic abuse and need to set up a new place to live.

Holiday programs: Individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, civic and faith-based organizations, etc., are welcome to adopt a House of Hope family during the Christmas season. House of Hope also refers eligible client families to the White Doves Holiday Project. These programs generally begin accepting sign-ups in October each year.

Service statistics for 2008-2011 (PDF)

Read more about people helped by House of Hope >>