About HOPE

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.

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.

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.