Clothing for boy - 1
It’s a simple idea. At HOPE For All, we collect gently used donations of furniture, housewares, and clothing from people in the community, and recycle them back out to people coming out of homelessness, or who just need a helping hand. Since 2004, more than 4,000 families have been given a new beginning with the essential items needed to turn their house into a home.
As a Christian-based nonprofit, HOPE For All began in 2004 with a call to serve people in need. Today, more than 100 regular volunteers and a small staff work out of our Glen Burnie office and warehouse, and deliver furnishings and clothing to about 400 families each year. In addition, our two clothing programs serve students and their families in Anne Arundel County Public Schools as well as people in crisis. We give a week’s worth of clothing to 1,500 people annually.
Partnerships around the county are key to helping us serve people who need our assistance. Government agencies, nonprofits, churches, as well as the school system work with the most vulnerable in our area, and direct people to us.
“Our partners count on us to provide the necessities of living for their clients,” said Connie Cooper, Executive Director of HOPE For All. “No one else in Anne Arundel County delivers furniture, and other household items, which offers those coming out of homelessness a new beginning.”
When our Intake Teams meet Turning Houses Into Homes clients in their homes, we determine their needs using our seven-page “wish list” of furniture, kitchen supplies, linens, baby items, and clothing. For all of the goods that we provide to our clients, including nearly 500 new beds each year, we also try and give them that intangible feeling that we all need: hope.
“When people are at a low point where they can’t provide for their basic needs, we try to lift them up and let them know that they are not forgotten,” said Connie. “There is a community of caring in our area, and their impact is considerable.”
With more than 80% of our clients women and children, HOPE For All is passionate about stabilizing the home life of children. Founders Leo and the late Diane Zerhusen were both teachers, and saw firsthand how important it was for kids to come to school, ready to learn.
“Just think what a difference getting out of a real bed, putting on a warm winter coat and proper fitting shoes makes for a child going to school,” said Connie. “We try to offer stability to their lives, and give everyone in the family hope for their future.”
Are you interested in helping HOPE For All provide for people without the means to meet their basic needs in Anne Arundel County? Take a tour of our facility and consider volunteering, organizing a collection, or making a financial donation. We welcome you to join us in serving our neighbors.
Visit www.hopeforall.us for more information.
HOPE For All; 122 Roesler Road; Glen Burnie, MD 21060; 410-766-0372
