From Crisis to Stability: How Home of Hope Supports Young Families
In Gwinnett County, homelessness among young mothers and their children is a crisis. But this crisis isn’t too big for our community to fight.
At Home of Hope, families receive more than just food and shelter; they also receive support and guidance. They find refuge, community and mentors who work with them to transform their lives.
“[Home of Hope] is a transitional living facility for homeless children from birth to seventeen, along with their young moms. We’re addressing the issue of suburban poverty, and our guests live with us here on campus anywhere from three months to a year and a half — whatever it takes,” shared Executive Director, Maureen Kornowa.
“We take our guests from homeless to feeling more hopeful and ultimately into a home of their own.”
Home of Hope provides more than just a roof over the heads of these young families.
“We do customized life plans designed with them and for them,” Maureen explained. “[It’s] kind of like their roadmap back to independent living.”
This model not only provides a safe place for children and families but also helps break the cycle of homelessness two generations at a time.
While children enjoy the opportunity to just be kids, Home of Hope partners with mothers to pursue higher education, develop parenting and financial planning skills and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.
One family’s story captures what Home of Hope can accomplish. Sara and her young boys were living in hotel rooms and their car, searching for a place to find stability. Home of Hope was the last option on Sara’s list.
When Sara and her children moved into Home of Hope, the transition was difficult, but she persevered.
“She found her way when she could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The structure we were giving her is actually the structure in her home that she keeps to this day,” Maureen said.
With Home of Hope’s support, Sara built a $30,000 savings account and committed to prioritizing her physical and mental health and establishing a better life for herself and her boys.
While amazing things are happening within the walls of Home of Hope, Maureen knows their mission wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, donors and community partnerships.
One important partnership Home of Hope has made is with the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.
“The Community Foundation really does what they say they’re going to do by connecting people who truly care with causes that matter, allowing agencies like mine to continue the mission of helping those children and young families in need,” she said.
Maureen also emphasized the importance of other nonprofit organizations partnering with the Community Foundation to facilitate easier connections with donors and other local groups.
“I 100% have recommended other nonprofits to the Community Foundation because it’s a win-win when the Community Foundation knows and supports other nonprofits in the community,” she said.
“It’s important that we all work together and put good people together to do God’s good work.”
Because of crucial partnerships and committed staff like Maureen, Home of Hope has become a place that truly transforms the lives of young mothers and their children. And its mission is one we’re proud to support.
“We are here, and we need your time, talents and treasures to help us all continue the mission of helping those in need,” Maureen said.