Hope House at 30: Three Decades of Care, Community, and Courage

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Hope House has been a steadfast lifeline for families and individuals in Memphis affected by HIV and poverty. Founded in 1995 by the Junior League of Memphis at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the organization began as a daycare for children living with HIV, many of whom were turned away elsewhere due to discrimination. Over the years, Hope House has expanded to meet the growing needs of the community, offering preschool education, housing and utility assistance, mental health services, and HIV prevention and testing.

In a city that ranks second nationally for new HIV cases, Hope House provides a safe, stigma-free space where clients can access care without fear of being outed or judged. All services are free, from meals and diapers for children to hygiene products and counseling for adults.

Its dedicated staff offers wraparound services for entire families. “Whatever our clients need…this past month our social workers have been busy helping clients register their kids for school and get uniforms and get school supplies,” said Director of Development Allie DeWitt. “They’re really just doing life with our clients and supporting them in any way they can.”

Last year, more than 90% of parents served by Hope House were employed or enrolled in higher education, breaking cycles of poverty by removing barriers to childcare and support.

Reflecting on Hope House’s legacy, DeWitt marveled at “all the women who really fought for this organization and who made it so strong and who believed in a mom’s right to have a safe and secure place for her child to be while she worked or got an education or worked on her mental health. Every child deserves to be loved and hugged and cared for.”

Hope House’s continued impact is only possible with strong community investment, including funding from the Community Foundation. A recent $12,188 Nonprofit Capacity Building grant from the FOREVER Funds supported a much-needed technology and network system upgrade—helping the organization improve its operations and providing much-needed support when nonprofits serving vulnerable populations need it most.

As it steps into its next decade—and in the face of economic uncertainty and increase in demand for services—Hope House remains resolute in its commitment to its mission. “We’re going to stay true to who we are because what we’re doing matters, and the people that we serve matter,” shared DeWitt. “Everybody linking arms together and saying, ‘We’re in this together and we’re going to keep fighting this fight.’”