We’ve made some changes to our Wishlist process. Instead of one long list that seems intimidating for our friends, we now have two lists: Immediate Top Needs These are items that we need to purchase for our operations now. Many of our friends want to buy things for us, so the shortlist includes underwear, coffee, and bowls for grits!! The cost of items listed here ranges from about $8 for […]
13
Dec
One of many community projects from Anderson University’s Communications department includes a video documentary named, “Homelessness in Anderson.” Over the course of several weeks, students from COM 451 collected footage, interviewed people, walked the streets and listened intently to those who helped tell the story of homelessness in our city. Thanks to the crew who put this together: Jeremy Thompson (editor and camera operator), Simon Loftus (Director), Asa Waters (Producer), […]
HOPE Missions of the Upstate Annual Report August 2022 Through July 2023 In the pages of this annual report, you will read how “the Mission” is a place for individuals in times of need. We know the programs and services we provide would not be possible without your generosity. Thank you for partnering with us to make a difference in many lives – and above all, kindness. Thanks to all […]
1
May
Years ago, during our time serving in the Air Force, we were stationed at RAF Alconbury in England. One of our goals was to use the weekends to explore ancient monuments, ruins, and especially castles like Warwick Castle or the infamous Leeds Castle. The visits with our young children were fascinating. We learned about England’s medieval history, about knights, kings, queens, and royal families. We walked in dungeons that reminded […]
16
Feb
One of the core principles of HOPE Missions is to serve our neighbors with unbounded love. We are the hands and feet of Jesus! It’s not a new idea by any means. The way we implement the command of Jesus to love one another centers on the word, Serve. I learned the hard way that “help” is a four-letter word. When we started HOPE Missions, we stepped into a huge […]
We were recently blessed to have an interview with Paul Brown on behalf of Anderson County. Here’s the video they produced that provides some background about HOPE Missions and highlights Ms. Honey Denison, the namesake for Honey’s Place. We are grateful for the continued support of Anderson County!
12
Feb
HOPE Missions of the Upstate is one of several non-profits that will benefit from this year’s Dancing for Our Heroes event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson on April 20. Each non-profit is represented by a pair of dancers, who compete to raise money for their organization in the lead-up to the event. On the night of the event, each pair performs their choreographed dance for a panel of […]
Wow!! What a crazy, cold Christmas week!! Thanks to all of those who supported us by providing meals, serving at the Mission, praying for protection, keeping the lights on, and donating products and money to make this a success! We absolutely could NOT have done it without your support! The Warming Center opened Friday, Dec 23, 2022, at 4:00 am when the temperatures began dropping. We remained open through Christmas […]
Here comes a once-in-fifty-years cold front!! Temperatures are expected to drop down to 12 degrees this coming week. HOPE Missions’ Warming Center needs to be open for extended periods of time during this dangerously cold weather. We can only do this with your support! Please take a look at the graphic and select a block of time that works for you. For meals, we need to be able to feed […]
15
Dec
HOPE Missions Update: Serving Others We’ve been incredibly busy these past several months! This newsletter is our attempt to provide a brief update to stay connected. Contents Aaron Riley is our Homeless Services Director We’ve been blessed to have Aaron Riley join our team as the Homeless Services Director. You’ll see Aaron most mornings at the Mission as he oversees daily operations. Aaron moved to Anderson with thoughts of pastoring […]
20
Nov
Just in case you don’t know it HOPE Missions is open 6 days a week and overnight when it’s cold all by the Grace of God and a whole lot of Volunteer Servants!! Simply put, we would not be able to operate without our amazing volunteers!! Zoë and I were in early this morning to open the Warming Center. As we checked people in, I looked at the long list […]
We’re doing everything we can to serve our guests well. Opening as a Warming Center when temperatures get cold, our volunteer resources are stretched to the max. But we know it’s the right thing to do. If we truly love our neighbors, those without heat, those living on the streets, and those otherwise considered “disposable” need a warm place on cold nights. It’s difficult for us, but imagine what it’s […]