2024 Summer Appeal

The 2024 Summer Appeal is underway – raising funds and awareness for our innovative solution to the crisis of unsheltered homelessness in Rhode Island – ECHO Village. In the last year, more than 2,400 individuals experienced homelessness on any given night in our state – a 34.9% increase since 2023. This includes more than 500 individuals sleeping unsheltered each night – in places deemed unsafe and undignified and not at all meant for human habitation. ECHO Village, a safe and dignified alternative to congregate shelters, will help us combat the growing crisis of homelessness with an end goal of bringing people from homeless to housed. To read our entire Summer Appeal and make your gift today – click the “Bring Hope” button below. We need your support more than ever before.

ICYMI – ECHO Village Update

With a timeframe to open before the bitter cold winter sets in, ECHO Village has made significant progress on construction. Recently, the Warwick Beacon talked with our Executive Director, Laura Jaworski, and provided a great update regarding the project.  Find out more ››

ECHO Village – Community Supporters

House of Hope would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Rhode Island Energy – PPL Foundation, Integra Community Care Network and Washington Trust for answering this call to action and committing to support ECHO Village through sponsorship! 

As we move further along in the construction process at ECHO Village, we are strongly advocating for the local business community to consider partnering with us to support this innovative solution. There are a number of Sponsorship opportunities available! Please consider being part of history as we launch this groundbreaking solution to unsheltered homelessness in Rhode Island. For more information Click Here ››

Staff Spotlight – A Fond Farewell

In 2017, a young social work intern walked through the doors at House of Hope looking to gain more experience as she pursued her master’s degree in Social Work. For nine months, Sara Melucci worked closely with staff and clients, learning the ins and outs of the agency and how to best serve those experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island. Once Sara’s internship was complete, she decided to join the House of Hope Staff permanently becoming a Case Manager. Eventually, Sara became the Street Outreach Program Manager and finally House of Hope’s Director of Street Outreach. In all of these positions, Sara has remained humble and has always kept the mission of House of Hope and those we serve at the center of EVERYTHING she does. Sara is a friendly and comforting face to those clients we serve through street outreach; she has built trusting relationships with clients in an effort to, quite simply, save their lives. Whether it is below freezing outside, snowing, raining or a heat wave, Sara is always out there. She has continuously advocated for all those in Rhode Island that suffer injustice and homelessness. In 2020, Sara remained on the frontlines while the rest of the world was shutting down to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many obstacles were presented during this time, Sara never gave up on those she serves and continued to show up and keep them as safe as possible. That same year, Sara was recognized for her dedicated fight against homelessness and commitment to empowering those who are experiencing homelessness. Sara has been a critical team member of House of Hope for more than seven years now; but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. While we would love to hold on to staff members such as Sara, forever, moving on to new opportunities is a critical part of growth. Sara will be departing House of Hope this summer and beginning a new career opportunity with Providence College. In her new role, Sara will be working closely with Social Work interns and helping guide them as they continue learning the skills it takes to be the best social worker, and well we know, they will be learning from one of the best. Sara, you have played a pivotal role in the fight against homelessness, not just here at House of Hope, but through every life you’ve touched throughout Rhode Island. You will be missed by so many but we wish you nothing but the best as you begin this new chapter in your life. Thank you for everything. 

Donor Shout Out

At the end of April, we shared on our social media pages a very generous donation received for ECHO Village. Carol from Johnston began quilting during the COVID-19 pandemic and hasn’t stopped! She reached out to House of Hope and generously donated 45 handmade quilts – one to be used in each Pallet Shelter at ECHO Village. This extra special touch is sure to be a warm welcome when someone arrives at ECHO Village for the first time. We are so grateful to Carol for her generosity and the beautiful quilts – your kindness is what the world needs more of and will help us restore dignity to those calling ECHO Village their temporary “home”.

Congratulations – Staff Promotions

Join us at Flatbread Providence on Tuesday, October 29th beginning at 5:00pm, to participate in Flatbread’s Community Bake event where House of Hope will receive a donation for every pizza sold. $3.50 will be donated back to House of Hope for each large pizza and $1.75 will be donated back for each small pizza. A great opportunity to come out and meet some of our staff, learn more about our programs and have some delicious pizza while supporting our great organization! More details to follow.