Happenings at Hope House

It was a very busy day at Hope House (what else is new?), and as the intake person, I was touching bases with everyone who came in the door. Many of the first clients were there for financial assistance, usually gas vouchers, and I knew we had reached the point of only having enough money left for one voucher. Dave, an ordinary looking man in his 30’s came in, requesting food, clothing and “hopefully, a gas voucher”. I told him it was his lucky day, because we had one left—just one. He looked at me and then quietly said “if that is the last one, then save it for the young mother out there with her baby—she needs it more than I do”. As I acquiesced to his request, he left, looking very much at peace with himself. Dave not only received that day, he gave.

Tim entered the intake room looking upset. When I asked him how he was, he said he could be better. He and his girlfriend had just had an argument out in the waiting room and she had left Hope House. He said he wasn’t sure they were going to work together, no matter how hard he tried. He was just out of jail, was 9 months clean and sober and was having trouble getting her to trust in him again. We spent 15 minutes discussing how he needed to give her space and time and just stay clean to prove to her how he had changed. He also acknowledged the need for him to concentrate on his recovery and not get derailed in the stress of this relationship. When he left, he appeared a little strengthened in his resolved. Tim’s need that day included someone to listen to him.

Sandy was crying in the waiting room when I called her in. she told me she was pregnant and her boyfriend had just gone to jail for 180 days. Sitting next to her in the intake room, I went over the good things happening in her life—shelter, food to eat, clothing from Hope House. She gave me several big hugs when she left. Sandy received support and encouragement as well as food and clothing that day.

John comes by Hope House a couple times a week to break down our cardboard and empty trash—so does Bob. They both like to feel that they are contributing to Hope House in some way in return for what they receive. Bill uses his leftover food stamps each month to purchase food for Hope House. It is his contribution to us.

So much more happens at Hope House than handing out clothing, hygiene and diapers. Stop by and check us out someday! Better yet—donate to us!