Every effort makes an impact

With the holidays approaching, Project Hope for the Homeless is gearing up for another year of helping people transform their lives and transition to a more certain, secure and successful future.

In operation for 32 years, Project Hope for the Homeless has a storied past that started in 1993, when the Lake and Geauga Catholic Commission formed the Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County, Inc. with local churches. The network’s Executive Director, Judy Burr, and her team were housing 25 people temporarily in the winter months in local hotels and churches. Facing denial after denial, Judy continued to pray for someone to give them a chance for a permanent home. 

Fast forward to Judy’s answer to prayer via a trustee representing Bishop Rev. Roderick A. Coffee I and Union Community Church, who offered Judy a tour of 25 Freedom Rd. They moved into the space in December of 2000 and now serve more than 500 guests each year. 

Today, Project Hope for the Homeless provides 50 beds each night for 38 single adults and 12 guests in the Families Moving Forward program. Programs also include aftercare support, Senior Care Hope House, a three-unit transitional housing program for homeless seniors, and Welcome Home, a program providing household items and furnishings free-of-charge for guests transitioning to permanent housing.

“This year we’re celebrating 25 years at our current location,” Associate Executive Director Sarah Powell says. “We’re proud to report we have a success rate of 76%, meaning that 76% of our guests successfully transition to a recovery program, permanent housing or stable housing with family or friends within an average stay of 30 days. We can’t do that alone. It’s through the support of this community that allows us to be successful, and we are grateful to our volunteers and community partners. It truly does take a village.”

Recently as part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week an annual program when people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness, Project Hope for the Homeless held A Night of Hope fundraiser to raise money for the many services it provides. Eventgoers attended the dinner and heard stories of hope from guests who have successfully transitioned out of Project Hope for the Homeless to a bright future. 

Sarah and Community Engagement Director Sandra Slater are always looking for financial support and also rely on Project Hope for the Homeless program partners who offer their professional services to guests in need of emotional, physical and spiritual support. 

“There are so many ways to help,” Sandra says. “We have 70 volunteers who cook meals and provide toiletries, household items and supplies along with their professional expertise to guide guests and train staff members.”

During the holiday season, Project Hope for the Homeless hosts Santa Shop, where all items are donated and Project Hope for the Homeless guests can pick out gifts for free and children participate in Christmas activities. Community members can also adopt a Project Hope family for the holidays. 

“Whatever you have to offer, there are many different ways to contribute to our mission,” Sandra says. 

Here is a list of ways you can offer support:

• Serving in adult or family shelter
• Meal ministry
• Packing lunches
• Financial donor
• Prayer team member
• Purchase items from the wish list found on the website
• Share professional expertise with guests, board, staff or volunteers
• Bible study leader
• Share musical talents (soloists, choirs and youth groups welcome)
• Administrative labor, office help
• Special events help throughout the year
• On-site volunteer during operational hours with guests

For volunteer information, Sandra recommends filling out an application online or contacting the volunteer services director at mknight@projecthopeforthehomeless.org with questions. 

“We welcome school service groups—those between 16 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult—and all who would like to share their time and gifts,” Sandra says. “We are so grateful, and we thank God for a community that cares.”

Project Hope for the Homeless is located at 25 Freedom Rd., P.O. Box 2035, in Painesville Township. For more information, a list of needs and ways to help, check the website ProjectHopeForTheHomeless.org or call 440-354-6417.