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 70,145 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.
2021 Impact
The HOPE Center surrounds and supports those in need whenever and wherever possible. In 2021, with the generous support of those in our community, The HOPE Center:
- Assisted 17,635 men, women and children.
- Provided 265,333 lbs. of food to those seeking assistance.
- Provided clients with $3,119 in gift cards.
- Provided 34 households with transportation.
- Assisted with 27 gas, water and electric bills.
- Provided individuals and families with 930 nights of emergency shelter and 600 nights of shelter through rental assistance.
- Provided 64 Easter baskets to the children in our area in March.
- Provided 105 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in the community in August and September.
- Distributed 177 warm winter coats to our neighbors in need throughout October and November.
- Served over 600 meals with Operation BBQ Relief.
- Shared 123 hats, 63 scarves, 171 gloves/mittens, 100 blankets, and 33 packages of diapers, wipes, bibs, and baby blankets with members of our community.
- Shared 100 Christmas meal baskets with turkeys and hams with our clients and their families in December.
- Provided over 1,000 gifts/toys to 141children in 54 families for Christmas.
In 2020, 333 nights of safe shelter were provided to individuals and families seeking assistance. In 2021, this number dramatically increased to 930 nights of safe emergency shelter. This number does not include those we were unable to assist due to limited funding.
2020 versus 2021, year over year numbers:
- 16.25% increase in food shared
- 34% increase in people served
- 403 new clients
- 178.9% increase in emergency shelter provided
- 58.8% increase in utility assistance provided
- 400% increase in rental assistance
- 41.7% increase in transportation provided
- 166.8% increase in Human Needs Resources (dollars) shared
Board of Trustees
Liam O’Flynn
CHAIR
Phaedra Rossi
VICE CHAIR
David C. Shipman
TREASURER
Jane O’Donnell
SECRETARY
D. J. Cunningham
Reverend Susan S. Jones
Terrance L. Turnbach, Esq.
Jamie L. Schron-Roth, Esq.
Anna Yrad
Pastor Robbie Ytterberg, Ex‑Officio
Melissa Lotano
Staff
Amy S. VanBezooijen
Executive director
Stephanie Stockwell
financial administrator
Ashlee Pense
client services coordinator – human needs
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
