Hancock Hope House

 

 

Steve Vail, Executive Director of Hancock Hope House spoke to Kiwanis about history, mission and future of the Hope House.  Hancock Hope House, established in 1991, is a shelter serving homeless men, women, and family units including children.  Hope House serves Hancock, Rush, and Shelby counties.

In 2011, 103 people spent 3,600 shelter nights at Hope House down from 2010 when 106 people spent 4,500 shelter nights there.  The mission of Hancock Hope House is to provide hope to the community while strengthening individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency.

·         Provide short-term housing to homeless families and individuals

·         Provide training through our Life Leads program to teach adults essential life-skills.

·         Provide our community with low-cost thrift clothing and household items through the WEARhouse thrift store.

·         Allow individuals in our community to build ownership in our mission through our volunteer program.

·         The Hope House utilizes and manages individual and corporate monetary donations given to our 501-c3 non-profit organization to help community families and individuals in need.

The facility located at 35 East Pierson Street in Greenfield provides the residents with laundry and kitchen facilities.  Meals are not provided.  It is a working shelter which means that there is an expectation that residents will be working or seeking work during the day.  It does not serves transients.

In addition to government funding and donations the Hope House derives funds from the operation of the thrift store.  The Hope House hopes to upgrade their kitchen to commercial standards and train residents in culinary skills including Serve Safe certification.  A raised bed garden is planned outside the kitchen where residents could grow some of their food. 

In partnership with the DAV and Leaderhsip Hancock County the Hope House is establishing a textile recycling program that allows Hancock County residents an alternative to throwing away clothing and other textiles that are beyond use as a donation to thrift shops.  A recycling day for such items will be held Saturday, April 14 at the Hope House.

Additional information may be found at their website http://hancockhopehouse.com.