HOPE STARTS HERE
The Hope Starts Here Campaign is the signature fundraising, awareness, and community mobilization initiative that fuels all three phases of Helping Hands’ growth:
Phase I: Acquire and launch a 20-bed emergency shelter
with 24/7 operations.
Phase II: Launch Transitional Housing with 6-month
semi-independent living units.
Phase III: Develop or acquire 10–15 subsidized housing.
units + launch the Housing Stability Fund.
This campaign is more than a fundraiser — it is a county-wide movement to restore housing, dignity, and opportunity to our homeless.
By supporting the Hope Starts Here Campaign, you are helping build a future where homelessness is not inevitable, not ignored, and not permanent — but solvable through compassion, partnership, and community action.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
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Emergency beds are consistently full or over capacity.
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Unsheltered homelessness has reached its highest level in years.
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Families and youth face increasing instability.
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Affordable housing stock is limited and often inaccessible.
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Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to face mental health barriers, substance use challenges, and employment disruptions.
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Community systems — shelters, hospitals, schools, law enforcement — are stretched thin.
Homelessness in Erie County has reached a critical point:
WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS
Reliable Staffing & 24/7 Coverage
Emergency shelters cannot function without trained staff present around the clock. Annual Operating Support helps pay for the Executive Director, Case Manager, Shelter Supervisor, Shelter Attendants, and critical part-time positions. It keeps the doors open 365 days a year, ensures client safety, and maintains trauma-informed, compassionate care.
Meals, Hygiene Supplies & Daily Essentials
Every resident receives two meals a day, clean clothing, hygiene kits, laundry access, transportation assistance, and basic needs support. These require continuous purchasing power — food, toiletries, linens, cleaning supplies, and transportation vouchers must be replenished constantly.
Utilities, Building Operations & Maintenance
Heat, electricity, water, trash removal, insurance, cleaning, repairs, snow removal, and security systems are all part of the recurring operating footprint. As Erie County winters are harsh, reliable utilities and building upkeep are essential for resident safety.
Case Management & Client Services
This includes service planning materials, job readiness resources, financial literacy tools, HMIS data entry, health appointment coordination, and partnerships with healthcare and workforce agencies. These services are central to client success.
Technology, Software & Administrative Needs
Systems like HMIS, donor databases, data security, cloud storage, audit and accounting services, communications tools, and administrative supplies all require annual investment.
