Poetry in Motion

A group of 5th graders from Tyngsborough Elementary School, inspired by a book about homeless children, decided to write a book of their own.

“…poems for those without homes.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

From the staff and families of House of Hope, we wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday.

Can you spot the biggest turkey?

House of Hope Gets Facelift

By Evan Lips, elips@lowellsun.com

Read original article here.

There’s a sparkling house overlooking the Merrimack River in Pawtucketville that’s giving people have been dealt a bad hand in life a second chance.

House of Hope Executive Director Deb Chausse remarked yesterday that one year ago, passersby on Varnum Avenue would have never guessed that the then-dialpidated 100-year-old house was home to countless success stories. But she added that the house’s recent face lift reflects the progress that happens when homeless families turn to the home’s Hope to Opportunity program for help.

About 50 donors, state officials, social workers and program participants came together yeseterday to officially welcome the old house back to the neighborhood. Marc Teal, president of the House of Hopes Board of Directors, talked about the history of the home and said he “bet that the owners of this house 100 years ago would never have guessed that they’d be building a gateway to success.”

Hope to Opportunity Program Director Julie Lemire said that for more than a year the house has helped homeless families find the strength to return to school and re-enter the workforce. The house holds five families at a time. Lemire said most families spend about six months living there before they get back on their feet.

Two participants spoke yesterday about their experiences at the house. Marisol Mercedes and Jahaira Gonzalez both wound up at the house after hard times forced them into the streets. They both wound up enrolled at Lincoln Tech and worked to become medical assistants. Mercedes and Gonzalez now live on their own.

“When I first came here I thought that there was no way this was a shelter – it looked like somebody’s home,” Mercedes told attendees yesterday during an emotional speech. “Seven months later I was sad to leave – it was the best experience I’ve ever had.”

Food Drive

Global Fitness Center, located at 11 Progress Ave. in Tyngsboro, is holding their annual food drive to benefit House of Hope.  If you’re interested in contributing some food items, please stop by during their normal business hours.  There is a collection area just inside the main entrance.

Join Us to Celebrate H2O!

Christmas 2010: Adopt a Child

Goods Collection Drive

Keep on Truckin’

Thanks to the generosity of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Boyle Transportation House of Hope was able to purchase a much needed pick up truck to help us maintain our properties.

You can read the article in today’s Lowell Sun here.

Harvest of Hope 2010

We hope you can join us for House of Hope’s one and only annual fundraiser!  If you would like to purchase tickets or make a donation to this event, please click here.

Volunteers Go a Long Way

The House of Hope depends on our generous volunteers to help us get things done! In general, the following volunteer activities are most needed:

• Painting rooms, cleanup projects, and other building maintenance
• Working with playgroups
• ESL tutors for adults
• Work the Front Desk answering phones
• Providing and preparing meals

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at (978) 458-2870.