HOPE depends on the financial support of many private donors.
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The Adult Shelter
249 Baldwin Avenue Pontiac, MI 48342 “Low-Barrier” Emergency Shelter (most barriers removed)
- Behavioral - Employment |
The Recuperative Shelter
1416 Joslyn Avenue Pontiac, MI 48340 Inpatient “discharge to home” option for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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HOPE, Inc. was founded in 1998 as a community response to a homeless person freezing to death in downtown Pontiac, Michigan. Since this time, the center has provided emergency shelter for individuals struggling with homelessness in northern Oakland County, turning no person away.
HOPE is committed to serving Pontiac's homeless population through two distinct yet complementary programs, Adult Shelter Program and our newest venture, Recuperative Care Center. In both of these programs our mission is the same- to help those in need of safe shelter and support services without judgment. |
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HOPE’s strengths-based culture is about meeting the guest where he/she is at, bringing as many resources to the shelter as possible to improve participation, with hospitality framing the guest experience. We remain solidly committed to guests viewing our organization as a way out of homelessness, rather than a place of last resort. The Oakland County Health Network provides onsite access screening for mental health services. Community Network Services and Easter Seals-Michigan, two core providers for community mental health provide onsite intakes as well as mental health case management. Community Housing Network, TTI PATH and SOS provide onsite housing counselors who connect HOPE guests with appropriate housing. The integration of healthcare, mental healthcare and housing for shelter guests helps them improve quality of life and a pathway out of homelessness.
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The majority of our support comes through volunteers, civic groups and churches, which we have a strong relationships with- in-kind donations account for the same percentage of income as all other funding sources. In 2015, about 1800 volunteers helped us to shelter 500 guests! Volunteers provide dinner, breakfast, and sack lunches for our guests as well as donated vitally needed shelter supplies (ie socks, underwear, cold weather clothing). HOPE could not exist with out the help of our volunteers and donors.
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Low Barrier ModelHOPE is a low barrier shelter which means that we do not require sobriety, identity documentation or adherence to a program or religious affiliation to participate. Additionally, our low barrier model removes transportation and other barriers by inviting other providers to provide services onsite at HOPE. Those services include housing services, triage health clinic, community mental health services and more are available to HOPE guests.
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Safe PlaceHOPE strives to provide a safe space for our guests; we are solidly committed to guests viewing our organization as a way out of homelessness, rather than a place of last resort.
The emergency shelter hosts up to 62 guests in bunk beds each night (plus up to 10 additional in chairs) providing warmth, an evening meal, a shower, a safe place to sleep, and either a light breakfast or bag lunch. The center also provides its guests with hygiene kits, and dry socks and underwear. We also have some coats, boots, jeans and sweatshirts available for those needing these items. |
Service Navigator, Carolyn
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Upon intake, every guest at HOPE is immediately screened to assess what resources might help move them from homelessness. In addition to the ongoing provision of basic needs, health care, and supportive service coordination, HOPE invites outside agencies with programs related to housing, mental health, and other related issues to visit the center in order to conduct outreach to guests, further connecting them with community resources that address their specific issues and concerns.
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Carolyn Hurst, Shelter Manager
Kim D, Service Navigator ph: 248-499-7345 fax: 248-499-7354 |
Since its founding, the organization has provided seasonal emergency shelter for individuals struggling with homelessness in northern Oakland County, turning no person away. Beginning at the Baldwin Center, HOPE operated during the coldest 3 months of the year and guests were given two blankets and a pillow and slept on the floor in the same room that they were served dinner. In 2010, the organization purchased a foreclosed building across the street. Bit by bit and with the help of many, many volunteers the space has been transformed. With over a half million dollars of volunteer labor and in-kind donations we have made many improvements to our space including adding handicapped bathroom and shower facilities, laundry facilities as well as an outdoor pavilion for our guests. In 2014, HOPE achieved our long standing goal of providing year round shelter to our guests.
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In 2015, HOPE opened the Recuperative Care Center, a specialized shelter for patients who are homeless and discharged from area hospitals ‘to home’ but have no home where they can recover from illness, injury, surgery, etc. Through these two shelter programs, HOPE strives to create a community where all have the opportunity to move from homelessness to safe housing, gain access to resources, and develop the skills to enhance their quality of life.
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LaTonya Terry, Shelter Manager
TBD, Service Navigator ph: 248-499-6437 fax: 248-499-6828 |
HOPE has recently acquired a few lots adjacent to the Adult Shelter on Baldwin Ave. to provide space for a building to house Recuperative as well as space to develop an improved shelter and space to better respond to community need. Currently the Recuperative Care Center is housed in rented space which is too small for the need and is located about three miles from the adult shelter.
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Time to Heal
HOPE Recuperative Center is the only place in southeast Michigan where homeless individuals can receive proper post hospital care until they recover their strength. This specialty shelter offers up to 15 guests a safe and supportive environment, as well as meals, oversight of their medical treatment, follow-up care, connection with community mental health programs, legal clinic, helping people secure vital identity documents and connection with housing options.
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Service Navigator, Dave
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Service Navigation
Upon intake, every guest at HOPE is immediately screened to assess what resources might help move them from homelessness. Our Service Navigators advocate for our clients. In addition to the ongoing provision of basic needs, health care, and supportive service coordination, HOPE invites outside agencies with programs related to housing, mental health, and other related issues to visit the center in order to conduct outreach to guests, further connecting them with community resources that address their specific issues and concerns.
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