HOPE, Inc.

One might be amazed about the resources already available in our community. You could call them “best kept secrets” and “treasures to be uncovered.” One such resource is H.O.P.E., Incorporated. The acronym stands for “Helping Our People Economically” and H.O.P.E., Inc. has been doing this incredible work since before its incorporation as a not-for-profit in 1976, receiving its federal tax-exempt status in 1992.

The mission of H.O.P.E., Inc. is to stimulate citizens, corporations, businesses, individuals, and organizations, in addressing the needs of “indigent challenged persons, particularly those of low-income, abused children, (COIP) Children Of Imprisoned Parents; the chronically homeless; and the disadvantaged; by providing decent safe and affordable housing, and assisting in preparation for educational, nutritional and employment opportunities, for young adults and citizens as a whole.

Its purposes, as outlined in its charter documents, are to “establish socially useful projects in Wichita and surrounding communities, including drug rehabilitation, AIDS education and prevention, affordable housing, human services, and to engage in any other lawful art or activity rom which Corporations may be organized under the Kansas Corporate Code.”

Since its incorporation, H.O.P.E., Inc. has been involved in collaborative efforts public and private agencies and groups to include starting the first bank in the Wichita Northeast Community (University State Bank), ministries to the incarcerated and their families, Project D.A.R.T. (Drug Abuse Research & Training), and more. As a CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization), H.O.P.E., Inc. is the owner of H.O.P.E. Properties I, II, III LLC which includes a total of 108 Section 42 apartment units, which has allowed H.O.P.E., Inc. to enhance its social services/education component to include affordable housing for low-moderate individuals and families, the disadvantaged, the chronically homeless, single mothers, mental and physically challenged individuals, re-entering ex-offenders, and the working poor. H.O.P.E., Inc. has assisted to reintegrate more than 2,500 ex-offenders, minimal recidivism.

H.O.P.E., Inc. has, for the past several years, host an annual Public Health Fair & Parade, in collaboration with local health care providers, which is free to the Public. New and established African American & Minority businesses are given the opportunity to expose their product(s) and services to the public, by furnishing and setting up their booth or table at the community fair. H.O.P.E., Inc. also sponsors “HOPE Men’s Closet,” assisting men in preparation for job interviews, or whatever their need may be to assist them in putting forth their best face. In the past months, H.O.P.E., Inc. was able to dress six recipients’ loved ones for their Home-Going Celebrations. H.O.P.E., Inc. also provides a job bank for those seeking employment from entry level positions to administration position.

Recently, H.O.P.E., Inc. received a donated house, which is awaiting a grant approval to renovate, for a low-income family. H.O.P.E., Inc. has applied to become a Grantee for more donated housing to increase their housing inventory to accompany the present 108 Apartments of Low-Income, Section 42, Tax Credit Housing.

H.O.P.E., Inc. has also submitted application to the Federal Reserve Bank to provide financing to Local Minority Individuals and Investors developing businesses in Wichita Sedgwick County, and the State of Kansas. These are the two major goals for 2014-2015.

How can the community support the efforts of H.O.P.E., Inc.? It is important the Community come together in a unified effort, and join forces to increase the outreach efforts of H.O.P.E., Inc. in providing health screening and testing at no cost; join in assisting reintegrating ex-offenders back into our communities; assist in tutoring with children of imprisoned parents and the disadvantaged without cost; assist in classes offered to the community at no charge, e.g. anger management; domestic violence prevention, nutrition, financing and budgeting which are mandated by the courts for returning individuals.

For more information and to register, please contact:

H.O.P.E., Inc.

2137 N. Battin

Wichita, Kansas 67208

316-618-8652 Fax: 316-618-8654

Carterhopeinc316@aol.com