Hope in Our Community: From the Desk of Our CEO

I am writing this column feeling humbled, grateful, and proud of the incredible outpouring of love and support from our amazing community toward House of Hope and all of the people that we serve.

When the government shutdown started, we knew that many thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors, children, moms with infants, and people with disabilities, would be adversely affected. We also knew that with the holidays fast approaching, the challenges that so many of our lower income residents face would feel almost insurmountable. Additionally, House of Hope was already working hard to manage the huge increase in the need for our services before all of these new challenges emerged. In our fiscal year that ended on September 30th, we saw an increase in food distributions through our four food pantries and to our food bank partners of over 40% to almost 1.7 million pounds for the year. We also saw increases in our financial assistance program, case management services, and enrichment services. We are quickly approaching 40,000 lives touched by House of Hope each month.

So we turned to you, our friends and neighbors, to ask for help and the response has been incredible. Food donations at our four pantries from the public have been happening at a record pace since early November. Dozens of businesses, churches, schools and other groups have held food drives for us. Volunteerism has increased. Donations of items at our three thrift stores have jumped. Every food pantry client that needed help with a turkey and the trimmings for Thanksgiving received support. Nearly 200 of our neighbors experiencing homelessness received a full Thanksgiving dinner. Several of our soup kitchen partners received everything that they needed to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the people that they serve. Over 400 turkeys in all passed through our facilities. I am also happy to say that we are on track to provide the same levels of support for Christmas. Additionally, every child and teen on our list for Christmas gifts will be supported. ALL of this is because of you!

We know we certainly have more to do, and we will need your continued support. We expect the need to continue to grow again this year. But right now, where we are today, you have given me, our amazing staff and volunteers, and everyone that we serve the gift of HOPE for the holidays. When we start to feel tired from the pace and the volume of the work, we are rejuvenated by your kindness and compassion.  Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude. Today we wish the same full hearts for everyone in our community. May your holidays overflow with love and laughter, and may the New Year bring you health and prosperity. Thank you for providing Hope in Our Community. 

Please visit our website if you need our assistance or if you want to get involved at hohmartin.org.