Times Observer photo by Jessica N. Rex Pictured from left to right: Nancy Rogowski, House of Hope committee member; Teresa DelPrince, volunteer; Mike DelPrince, House of Hope treasurer; and Vicky Whitford, volunteer coordinator.

Built in 1882, The House of Hope has a rich history. Volunteers are doing their best to make sure the House of Hope has a rich future, too.

Strategically located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Hazel Street and within walking distance of downtown, it has been doctors’ offices as well as a bed and breakfast in the past. That was until 2014 when Dianne Sherman answered a call that the Lord was leading her to open something like this due to the families she had worked with. The mothers, on parole, needed a house where they could safely stay, in an after jail care program instead of any old house. The home needed to be free from drugs and alcohol – a place where they could get established and ready to be back in the community as a contributing citizen. Dianne lived there as a house mother and the volunteers feel they are upholding Dianne’s mission still today.

The House of Hope is a fully nonprofit organization that receives no government funding. It’s the generosity of the community that keeps the doors open. There is only one hired staff member and everyone else is a volunteer. House of Hope can house up to five female residents at one time in the large Victorian house since there are five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a complete large living space and a kitchen as well.

The House of Hope’s largest fundraiser is a year-long collection of shoes. Just like any homeowner, the house has monthly and yearly costs that need to be met to fulfil their mission of providing safe, sober housing.

“Our donations come from the general public and from The Restore in Youngsville, Pa.,” said Nancy Rogowski, a longtime active member of the mission. “The money that is made through this donation is extremely significant to the upkeep of the house.”

A box truck from FUNDS2ORG of Florida collects the shoes to give to entrepreneurs of other countries, where shoes are repaired, if needed or torn down and re-used. The volunteer staff gather 25 pairs of shoes per bag where House of Hope residents are guided to help. Once a year the shoes get turned in, usually in August. When asked, “How many shoes does the county donate?” The answer was that recently 177 bags of 25 (that’s over 4,000 pairs) of shoes were collected.

“According to our Certificate of Impact we collected 4,610 pounds of shoes. That means that 115,000 pounds of CO2 was displaced and 1.9 million gallons of water saved,” notes Vicky Whitford, who is hard at work recruiting volunteers for the program, especially mentors.

Area organizations and churches have shoe drives and also donate leftover shoes from their rummage sale; such as the YMCA who annually has its “LIVESTRONG Trash to Treasure Sale.”

There are other ways for people to help throughout the year as volunteers for house maintenance, mentoring, serving on the board, or helping with one-time events. Residents typically obtain part time jobs while mentors help guide residents as they get back on their feet. The House of Hope serves between 6 and 10 women each year.

“Since women are welcome to stay as long as they need, our turnover varies from year to year,” Whitford said.

The House of Hope accepts new or clean shoes year-round so consider donating shoes at any time to help. House of Hope is looking for people to be on the shoe committee. For further information, visit the House of Hope Facebook page or call Whitford at 814-584-4345.