The HOPE Center – The House of HOPE of Ocean County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a place to address the basic needs of an increasing number of people in crisis. The HOPE Center opened its doors in 2008 and since that time has served over 236,660 individuals and families.
Today, The HOPE Center offers the following services: A client-choice food pantry and community garden, emergency shelter assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, transportation, advocacy and coordinating service with partner agencies.
Our Mission
Within a place of hope and faith, our mission is to serve individuals and families in crisis with dignity and compassion, providing for their basic human needs and striving to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency.
History
We rise by lifting others.
The HOPE Center – House of Hope of Ocean County, Inc. was established by the local Clergy Association when the need was recognized for a centralized location in Ocean County that could serve as a place to address the basic needs of an increasing number of people in crisis. The House of Hope of Ocean County, Inc., a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation received its Certificate of Incorporation (non-profit corporation), on June 1, 2004, and was approved by the Internal Revenue Service on February 28, 2005, as tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3).Those who come to The HOPE Center are provided with supportive care and information to help them access community services, navigate the social services system, resolve issues related to housing, utilities, medical and behavioral health concerns, transportation, and other needs.
The HOPE Center’s knowledgeable and extremely dedicated staff and volunteers meet with every client who comes in the doors to determine what resources and services meet their needs. The HOPE Center provides emergency shelter assistance, rental assistance, utility assistance, transportation, gift cards, school supplies, coats, toys and so much more to those in need.
The HOPE Center’s expanded Food Pantry and Community Garden provide perishables, as well as non-perishables to our clients in a “Client Choice” environment which our guests find more dignified and empowering. We also provide guidance on other food pantries. Guidance and referrals are also provided over the telephone to an increasing number of clients who are physically unable to get to The HOPE Center.
2025 Impact
The HOPE Center surrounds and supports those in need whenever and wherever possible. In 2025, with the generous support of those in our community, The HOPE Center:
- Assisted 44,893 men, women and children.
- Provided 354,381 lbs. of food through our full-service, client-choice pantry.
- Provided resources in response to 521 calls for rental assistance and 646 calls for emergency shelter.
- Answered 250 calls to provide resources for utility assistance (gas, water, and electric).
- Distributed 367 warm winter coats to neighbors in need.
- Served over 800 meals with Operation BBQ Relief.
- Distributed backpacks full of school supplies to 150 children.
- Shared 252 hats, 219 gloves/mittens, 337 blankets, 414 cases of diapers, and 566 miscellaneous Gifts of Warmth with members of our community.
- For Christmas, we provided over 3,102 gifts and toys to children.
- Donated 142 Easter baskets to children in the area.
- Provided holiday meals to over 275 individuals and families.
- Served 1,178 new clients and families.
We’re incredibly grateful for each and every person who helped make this possible. Looking forward to all the 2026 has to offer!
Board of Trustees
Liam O’Flynn
CHAIR
Melissa Lotano
VICE CHAIR
D.J. Cunningham
TREASURER
David C. Shipman
Reverend Susan S. Jones
Peter J. Van Dyke, Esq.
Jeffrey Muller
Jane O’Donnell
Pastor Robbie Ytterberg, Ex‑Officio
Staff
Amy S. VanBezooijen
Executive director
Aralynn Sutherland
financial administrator
Janine Popovich
client services coordinator – pantry
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“We had no home and no idea where to go for help. You all were kind and listened to me until I figured out what to do next.” – Anonymous
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“When I met with a volunteer at The HOPE Center all I could do was cry. It felt so good to have someone listen to my story. You have helped me more than you know.” – Anonymous
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“With the help of The HOPE Center, I have a very nice roof over my head and I was able to begin taking care of my health. We have all heard it said, ‘It’s not what you say but how you say it.’ Read more
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“The HOPE Center made a difference in that horrific process for me by the interactions I had with many of the people that work there, the things they did, and how they sincerely cared about what was happening to me. Read more
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“ I went to social service for assistance and before they can help, they wanted me to take a one-week orientation at New Jersey Reentry, but I was going to be homeless before the end of the week. Read more
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“Thank you so much to all staff and to the generous donors. Appreciate your kindness for helping me out in such trying times.” – Anonymous
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“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your assistance with my rent this month. It seems like a real miracle. It's definitely going to help me pay some of my medical bills. Thank you and your staff for me and God Bless.” – Anonymous
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“I am writing to you on behalf of a very good friend of mine. We met many years ago in a psychiatric hospital and have continued our friendship ever since. We have no filters in our relationship and he knows he can reach out to me any time of day or night if he needs to. Read more
