HOPES Center of Racine Comes To The Rescue

The HOPES Center of Racine, a ministry of the Racine Dominican sisters, has been providing important services to people experiencing homelessness for the past 10 years.  Our current programs include Street Outreach, Rapid Rehousing, and Mental Health services to people experiencing homelessness.  Our Rapid Rehousing program uses grant money to get people into housing first, finding that they are more open to other support services once they have a place to call home. As I write this, two people have just been moved into apartments during the midst of the polar vortex.

Several times every week, and more when the weather requires it, a team of dedicated staff and/or volunteers locate people still living in cars, tents, and other “places not meant for human habitation.” They provide coffee or hot chocolate, burritos, hand warmers and blankets.  They work to establish trust and relationships.  Our goal is to help people experiencing homelessness access the services that are available to them.  Even during these bitter cold days a few still prefer to stay in their cars rather than to go shelter; we can help with gas cards to keep the heat running.

During our last fiscal year HOPES Center served more than 300 people, which included 62 households in Rapid Rehousing (with 29 children), 144 living “on the street” and many who received support, or just found a warm place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

To help support these services, The HOPES Center will be holding its annual Raising HOPES with Talent fundraiser on Saturday March 9, 5:30-9:30 in the Siena Center auditorium, 5635 Erie St. The event includes a talent contest, food, and beverages included with ticket, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Watch us on Facebook for more details.

Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door, $10 for children, under 6 free. Tickets are available at the HOPES Center during our business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at the Siena Center reception desk, 5635 Erie St., Racine. Payment can be made by cash or check. Ticket requests can also be made to the HOPES Center by mailing a payment for tickets to the HOPES Center at 521 6th St, Racine. The tickets will be returned to you by mail.

You can also support the HOPES Center by calling 262-898-2940 to volunteer for a wide number of positions, including help with the fundraiser, joining the board or committees, going on outreach teams, staffing the front desk, and others.

Checks of support can be sent to the HOPES Center at 521 6th St., Racine, WI 53403. Other donations can be dropped off during office hours (8am-2pm; Monday-Friday). Cash, bottled water, frozen burritos, coffee, hot chocolate packs, warm socks, underwear, blankets, sleeping bags, energy bars, and gas cards are always welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for Racine Hopes with Talent.  Please call our office at 262-898-2940 to learn more.