Governor Heineman to attend Hope Harbor ribbon cutting

Hope Harbor is pleased to announce that the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hope Harbor’s recently renovated facility, 610 W. Division, at 11:15 a.m. on December 4.

Governor Dave Heineman, is scheduled to be on hand to offer a few remarks regarding Hope Harbor and to assist in the ribbon-cutting.

“It is thrilling that Governor Heineman is able to attend Hope Harbor’s ribbon cutting. December 4th is truly a day that will go down in Hope Harbor’s history book. It is the beginning of a new and exciting journey,” said, Melissa DeLaet, Executive Director. “It is unreal to be moving back in; finally seeing everything come together and planning the open houses has been a very overwhelming time for the staff and board. We just cannot wait to learn how everything ticks once we move back! We are so excited to embark on our new journey in this building and as Chamber members! Hope Harbor is fortunate not only to have the support of the communities that we serve, but also the support of our elected officials.” .

Due to the success of the Capital Campaign in 2008 Hope Harbor has been fortunate enough to complete a major renovation to its facility. These updates include: updated fire sprinkler systems, new plumbing, new heating and air systems, walled case management offices, new flooring, and an education room to hold our unique classes in. .

Hope Harbor serves homeless and near homeless women, children and families by providing safe shelter, meals, intensive case management and educational programs to assist residents in becoming self sufficient. .

HH Hits Half Way Mark in Renovation

Hope Harbor is pleased to announce that the renovation of its 610 W. Division location has passed the half way point. Tri-Valley Builders and Webb & Company Architects are heading up the project. The renovation of Hope Harbor is focusing on installing ADA accessible rooms and bathrooms, new heating and air systems, and updated plumbing systems, among other things.

Executive Director Melissa DeLaet states that “the renovation is coming along nicely. As in any major renovation project there have been a few unexpected expenses, but overall we are impressed with how smoothly the project is coming along. The staff and I are eager to have our first day in the newly updated location. We are currently recruiting volunteers for taping, painting, moving, and any other odd jobs that may arise during the transition between buildings.”

Hope Harbor is currently in a temporary location at 1910 W. 9th Street and is still accepting women and children. We are taking advantage of the changes in our building and are making some enhancements to our programming. We plan to unveil our new “Stepping Stone Program” once we are moved back into the West Division location.

Hope Harbor is dedicated to serving homeless and near homeless women, children and families by providing safe shelter, meals, intensive case management and educational programs to assist residents in becoming self-sufficient.

Thanks to all of you who continue to contribute to Hope Harbor financially, in kind or with your muscle and sweat during our recent move and on an ongoing basis. Without you we could not be taking the steps to improve our facilities in order to better serve the neeeds of our City.

Watch the KHAS-TV Video or Read the KHAS-TV Article.

View our Renovation Photos.

HH Welcomes a new Director

What an exciting time to come into the position of Executive Director at Hope Harbor! I would like to introduce myself to all of our supporters and friends. My name is Melissa DeLaet. I come to Hope Harbor from Children and Family Services in Hastings. While I worked in Hastings for the last two years I have lived in Grand Island for the last three. In December I received my Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I am a wife and a mother to a 3 ½ month old baby. Working with women and children is my passion so I feel that Hope Harbor is a great fit for me!

Hope Harbor is going thru many exciting changes right now and I feel honored to be a part of them. It is encouraging to see the hard work our staff, board, and volunteers do to make Hope Harbor a success. I have appreciated our friends and supporters stopping by to introduce themselves or greeting me in the community. It makes me realize what a strong following Hope Harbor has in our community and how fortunate we are to have the community’s support.

I would like to extend gratitude towards the staff and board who have worked so hard in the transition of Directors. I know that Hope Harbor could not function without the hard work that each of you have put in. It is amazing to see the loyalty and dedication you all bring.

Thank you all for welcoming me to the team. I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish and I am excited to get started.

Our Mission

We provide services to needy, displaced homeless, near homeless families, and women and children. We help meet their needs for safe shelter, meals, and supportive case management with a goal of obtaining permanent housing and becoming self-sufficient.

Thank you to all the individuals, organizations and groups who generously give in support of Hope Harbor. Your donations truly make a difference in the lives of others. A few of these corporations who assist are : Tom Dinsdale Chevrolet, Cadillac & GMC | Skagway | St. Leo's Catholic Church | Trinity United Methodist Church | Wal-Mart | Johnny's Lock & Key | Home Depot | Principal Financial Group | Wave Pizza Company | and many many more.

WHO ARE THE HOMELESS

"Families, single mothers, and children make up the largest group of people who are homeless in rural areas."(Vissing, 1996)

The largest growing percentage of the homeless population is families with children. This population of the homeless has doubled twice since 1989. The average age of a homeless person is 9 years old. Of those served by Hope Harbor, 63% were families with children. Of the total served by Hope Harbor, 59% were children.