Hope Harbor move a success

Hope Harbor, Inc. is pleased to announce that they are officially moved back into their newly renovated facility at 610 W. Division. Upon moving to a temporary shelter in February 2009, Hope Harbor was able to continue its transitional shelter program on a smaller scale, but was unable to run their emergency shelter services out of the temporary location. Beginning today (February 1, 2010) the emergency shelter services are again available.

"Welcome home Hope Harbor residents and staff!" said Melissa DeLaet, Executive Director. "The last few months have been very trying on the agency, but everything has come together and we are more than thrilled with the results. Since moving back home our numbers have more than doubled and we are receiving more and more referrals every day. The community has been lacking in some services since last February when we moved having to suspend our emergency shelter temporarily, and having reduced space available for our transitional shelter. I am happy to say that we are back up and running and are better than ever."

"It's great to be back and to see the residents and staff getting settled into our newly renovated home," said Ellen Hornady, Board President. "I am so proud of our dedicated staff and the hard work they have put in getting us up and running again to meet the needs of our community."

Hope Harbor's emergency shelter is now equipped with 12 beds in three rooms, as well as a three-quarters ADA accessible bathroom. Emergency shelter services are available from 9:15 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

The transitional shelter is equipped with 56 beds in 26 rooms. One wing is dedicated strictly to families whom have entered the transitional program. This wing has several adjoining rooms allowing the Hope Harbor staff to create larger rooms for larger families as needed.

After a successful Capital Campaign in 2007 & 2008 Hope Harbor has been fortunate enough to complete a major renovation to its facility. These updates include: fire sprinkler systems, updated plumbing, new heating and air systems, a renovated kitchen, walled case management offices, new flooring and paint, an education room to hold their unique classes in, ADA accessibility and a new roof, doors and windows.

Hope Harbor serves homeless and near-homeless women, children and families by providing safe shelter, meals, intensive case management and educational programs to assist residents in becoming self-sufficient. The office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with staff available to take donations at that time. Residents of Hope Harbor will be able to take donations at the south door of the facility after the offices are closed.

View our Renovation Photos.

"HH Exceeds Capital Campaign Goals"

Hope Harbor is thrilled to announce the success of its "Building Hope for Tomorrow" capital campaign. We have received approval from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka for a $380,000 Affordable Housing Program grant, with Five Points Bank serving as our member sponsor. In addition, we have met the requirements for the Peter Kiewit Foundation challenge grant of $100,000. As a result, Hope Harbor has surpassed its Miracle Goal of $850,000 with more than $1.2 million in gifts, grants and pledges.

The success of our campaign will allow us to not only complete the much needed basic renovations such as electrical upgrades, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors; it will also allow us to complete some additional much-needed items such as an automatic fire sprinkler system, private offices for case managers to meet with clients, ADA restrooms, a renovated kitchen with walk-in refrigerator and freezer, and the ability to more efficiently use the space in the building.

We recently completed the purchase of the building from St. Mary's Cathedral, and we anticipate beginning our renovation project the end of this year, with a mid-2009 completion date. We truly appreciate St. Mary's patience, generosity and willingness to work with us throughout this long process.

We are grateful for the tremendous support that we have received throughout this campaign, and we are excited to move forward with our building renovation. The Executive Director, staff and Board of Directors wish to thank the more than 340 donors and 70 volunteers for their time and contributions in making this campaign a huge success.

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