United Way of Martin County and House of Hope: A Partnership That Changes Lives
STUART, Fla. – The strong partnership between the United Way of Martin County and House of Hope makes life better for the residents of Martin County every day, but especially during times of crisis.
The tornadoes of 2024, in the midst of a strong hurricane, really tested the Treasure Coast community. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, many beyond repair, and hundreds of low-income families found themselves in unsafe living conditions without the resources needed for daily existence.
House of Hope began immediately to coordinate efforts to keep these families housed and fed. In partnership with United Way of Martin County, House of Hope worked with the local chapters of Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity to optimize available resources to distribute food and supplies, repair damaged housing, and help families fill the gaps from lost wages. This collaboration among agencies in the aftermath of the tornadoes literally saved lives.
For their collaborative efforts and leadership during a crisis, the United Way of Martin County recently presented the Live United Award to House of Hope, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.
“Our community is stronger and we all live better when we LIVE UNITED,” said United Way of Martin County CEO Carol Houwaartz-Diez. “ Having a partner like House of Hope increases our positive impact on the education, health and financial security of everyone we serve and helps us find solutions in times of difficulty.”
While our community was recovering from the tornadoes this past year, even more moments of crisis challenged available resources. Cuts to government funding for SNAP, WIC, and other safety net programs and a prolonged government shutdown in October and November made it more difficult than ever for vulnerable members of the community to receive desperately needed help, and the stresses continue.
Despite these challenges, House of Hope remains determined to expand its pantry services, secure donations to purchase and stock more food for distribution, and increase its levels of financial assistance to meet this growing need. The United Way of Martin County recognized this commitment to the community and made a surprise contribution of $20,000 to support House of Hope’s elevated efforts during these compounded crises.
“We’re very grateful to the United Way for their confidence in us to use our resources wisely and efficiently to help residents in need,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “Our partnership with them and our collaboration with the nonprofit organizations throughout the community are the reason that Martin County is a very special place.”
To learn more about House of Hope or make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673.
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.