Local Nonprofit Provides Housing and Food for the Homeless Elderly
The elderly are becoming one of the fastest segments of our population to become homeless. Tragically, many of them are being priced out of their houses, often ending up on the streets or living in their cars. They are alone, afraid, and without a place to live.
While there are no easy answers to this dilemma, there is one unique answer in Yavapai County. The House of Hope 316 started when local Bert Hunt met an elderly homeless man. Bert and his friends began to pray about how they could help, and God answered in an incredible way. What started in 2019 with one home and five residents now includes four homes that can house 35 residents … people like Maria, who found herself homeless at 79.
“I never thought I’d be homeless. I graduated in 1968 with a biology degree and worked hard my entire life. I adopted and raised a beautiful girl who is deaf. In 2023, I was out of money and I only had one day left in the hotel with nowhere to go. I made a call to the House of Hope 316 and it was a miracle. They invited me to move into their house. It’s wonderful here. I have a home and I’m safe.”
The House of Hope provides housing and food to elderly men and women of low income who would be homeless otherwise. Since opening, more than 70,000 meals have been served to more than 75 residents. It is a home where the residents care about each other, help with daily chores and live together as a family. The residents pay some rent if they are able, based on their income. Their rent covers about 40% of the operating expenses. The remaining expenses are covered by donations. No one is turned away for financial reasons.
“What we have seen God do since the first day has been amazing,” said Bert, who’s now the Executive Director. All of this is a tangible example of how He loves and provides for people in need.”
General Manger Lois Sturgeon added, “It’s a joy and a blessing to do God’s work and help these men and women.”
House of Hope 316 is part of H10 Ministries, a 501©3 nonprofit and AZ Tax Credit qualifying charitable organization. For more information, visit www.h10ministries.com or House of Hope 316 on Facebook.