For 35 years, Hope House has been a cornerstone of Hancock County’s response to homelessness. What began as a transitional shelter in an old convent—founded after Sister Karen Elliott noticed women gathering on a church lawn—has grown into a multi-faceted organization providing housing solutions, support, and education for individuals and families in need.
Today, Hope House operates a transitional shelter for women and children, a housing office, and programs such as rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and case management—all rooted in a vision to eliminate homelessness.
Addressing an Urgent Crisis
Hope House’s work takes place against the backdrop of a severe housing shortage in Hancock County, where the rental occupancy rate hovers at 99.6%. This scarcity makes it nearly impossible for low- to moderate-income residents to secure housing, even when they have stable employment. “About 75% of the people who come to us have income, but it’s simply not enough in today’s market,” said Sue Lehman, CEO of Hope House. This reality creates ripple effects: families staying in shelters longer than intended, clients unable to find affordable units, and an increasing demand for eviction prevention support.
A Partnership Rooted in Flexibility
Hope House first connected with the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation through a local housing panel. From the very beginning, the relationship stood out for its accessibility and trust. “Their application process was one of the best we’ve been through—straightforward, succinct, and respectful of our time,” Lehman said.
The Foundation awarded Hope House a grant for operational support—something the organization rarely receives. Unlike program-specific funding, operational support gives Hope House the flexibility to address immediate and unforeseen needs, maintain program stability, and strengthen its holistic approach. “People love to support programs, but flexible funds are what allow us to do everything we do,” said Starr Laytart, assistant director at Hope House.
The Secret Sauce: Holistic Case Management
At the heart of Hope House’s work is its strengths-based approach to case management, which prioritizes listening deeply, meeting clients where they are, and building trust. This “secret sauce,” as Lehman calls it, sets Hope House apart in the social services landscape.
“We embrace starting where the client is. We focus on their strengths, build relationships, and help them navigate resources in a way that makes sense for their unique situation,” said Rebecca Padron, homeless services program supervisor at Hope House.
The impact of this approach shows up not just in statistics—84% of clients secure stable housing—but in lasting human connections. Laytart shared a story of a woman who left the program eight years earlier. She returned unexpectedly, carrying a donation of pots and pans. “She remembered that when she moved into her first apartment, we gave her pots and pans. She wanted to give back because her life had changed, and she hadn’t forgotten.”
Looking Ahead
The Foundation’s support has not only strengthened Hope House’s present-day operations but also empowered the team to think long-term. “When someone like the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation believes in us enough to fund our work fully, it’s more than impactful—it’s affirming,” Lehman said. “It gives us the opportunity to dream, plan, and prepare, the same way we want to empower our clients.”
Looking to the future, Hope House is focused on addressing eviction prevention and advocating for more affordable housing in Hancock County. While the challenges of a nearly 100% occupancy rate remain daunting, the organization is committed to ensuring families have the support, education, and resources needed to achieve independence.
As Hope House celebrates 35 years of service, the partnership with the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation stands as a true gift: a collaboration rooted in trust, flexibility, and a shared vision. Together, they are working to build stability and lasting change for the individuals and families who call Hancock County home.