Hancock Hope House

 

Steve Vail, Executive Director of Hancock Hope House spoke to Kiwanis, Tuesday about Hope’s House operations and thrift store.  
 

Vail said Hope House is a program for the homeless not just a homeless shelter.   The mission of Hancock Hope House is to provide hope to the community while strengthening individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency.  The do this by providing  short-term housing to homeless families and individuals  and by providing  training through our Life Leads program to teach adults essential life-skills. 
 

Hope House serves Hancock, Shelby and Rush counties with about 85% of the residents coming from Hancock County.  The shelter provides space for men, women and families.  All residents are screened to meet strict guidelines and for the protection of all the residents.
 

Hope House operates a thrift store, The WEARhouse, located next to the Hancock Hope House at 35 E Pierson St.  About 50 percent of the budget of the shelter is derived from the store.  The store is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Donations are accepted up to one hour prior to closing.  
 

For questions of further information see the website http://www.hancockhopehouse.com or call  (317) 467-4991.

Kiwanis collects nearly 2,500 pounds of food

Bob Gullion and Joe Crist after unloading almost 2500  pounds of food for the 40,000 pounds of food challenge.

Past President Scott Kleine and President Susie Billings unloading food for the 40,000 pounds of food challenge.

 

The Greenfield Kiwanis Club, Greenfield Central High School Key Club, Greenfield Central Junior High Builders Club, and the Greenfield Central K=Kids collected nearly 2,500 pounds of food and money for the 40,000 pounds of food drive.

 

Builders Club Collects Food for Food Drive

 

Kiwanis Builders Club at Greenfield-Central Junior High students collected over 2000 canned and boxed goods for the 40,000 lb. food drive. The winning classes were Mrs. Snellenberger's  and Miss Shepler's first period classes

Food Pantry Report

Dick Kent and Nancy Kent were introduced to Kiwanis by

Kiwanian Susan Broome.

Nancy Kent, from the Food Pantry, spoke to Kiwanis recently.  She emphasized that everyone working at the Pantry is a volunteer.  She told new members that the Pantry started with five or six boxes of groceries and over the years has expanded to include many more families.  The number of families served was 525 until recently when the number expanded to over 700 families being served in each of the last two months. 

        Nancy said contrary to popular belief that Hancock County did not have a hunger problem; one in five children go to bed hungry and in Hancock County 845 children between the ages of 1 to 17 are often hungry. 

        There is also an increase in elderly people needing help and they are the group least likely to be able to change their situation.  The pantry serves 180 people over 65. 

        Another increase includes the newly poor, due to loss of jobs and running out of savings and unemployment compensation.  Nancy said the comment she hears often is “I just never thought I would ever come to a food pantry”.  While sad to have to make use of the pantry, everyone is so appreciative and thankful for the help.  The pantry is serving all of Hancock County.