GivingTuesday

Lydia’s House of Hope Program Needs 

Helping Homeless Women and Children Find Hope, Healing, and Home Organizational Overview 

Lydia’s House of Hope provides comprehensive residential recovery and transitional support for homeless women and children. We offer a 365-day transformational living program focused on healing, education, employment readiness, and family reunification. 
 
We receive no state or federal funding, allowing us to maintain flexibility, faith-based values, and individualized care for each resident. Every life changed here is the direct result of private donors, grants, and community partners who believe in long-term transformation — not short-term solutions. 
 
Our goal is to guide women and children from homelessness to self-sufficiency through stability, skill-building, and support. 

Capital & Equipment Needs (2025) 

Each of the following projects directly supports program stability, safety, and the long-term sustainability of Lydia’s House of Hope. 

Privacy Fence (Grove Street Property) 

Purpose: To install a secure, high-quality privacy fence around the property. 

Rationale: Outdoor time is vital for residents’ physical and emotional health, but safety concerns currently limit this. A fenced perimeter provides a secure, therapeutic space for children to play and women to relax without fear or exposure. 

Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $7,000 

Anticipated Outcome: Safe outdoor access for 25+ residents annually; enhanced sense of security and community engagement. 

Priority: High 

Front Porch Structural Repairs 

Purpose: Repair or replace rotting porch posts and reinforce the structural integrity of the main entrance. 

Rationale: The porch is the first point of welcome and community gathering space for residents and visitors. Repairs will ensure both safety and the preservation of our historic home. 

Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $2,500 

Anticipated Outcome: Improved accessibility and safety for over 100 annual visitors and residents. 

Priority: Medium 

Living Room Couch Replacement (x3) 

Purpose: Replace three worn and damaged couches in the communal living area. 

Rationale: The living room is the emotional center of our home — used daily for classes, family time, and support meetings. The current furniture is beyond repair after over a decade of service. 

Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $4,000 

Anticipated Outcome: Increased comfort and engagement during community activities, improving emotional well-being for 25+ residents annually. 

Priority: High 

Lawn Mower Replacement 

Purpose: Purchase a reliable, energy-efficient lawn mower to maintain property grounds. 

Rationale: Our current mower is non-functional. A replacement promotes sustainability, pride in community, and cost savings by eliminating the need to borrow equipment. 

Estimated Cost: $500 – $800 

Anticipated Outcome: Enables ongoing upkeep by residents as part of our Life Skills & Responsibility Program. 

Priority: High 

Learning Center Technology Upgrade 

Purpose: Modernize the computer lab and software to support educational and career development. 

Rationale: Outdated, unsupported technology limits residents’ ability to learn digital literacy, pursue GED programs, and complete job applications. 

Estimated Cost: $6,000 – $8,000 

Anticipated Outcome: Improved educational outcomes; 100% of residents completing digital skills training and job-readiness modules. 

Priority: High 

Uniform Security System Installation 

Purpose: Replace fragmented, outdated security components with a unified, monitored system. 

Rationale: Safety is a top priority in residential recovery programs. Current equipment is inconsistent and unreliable. 

Estimated Cost: $4,000 – $6,000 

Anticipated Outcome: 24/7 monitoring ensures resident and staff safety; compliance with best practices for trauma-informed care. 

Priority: High 

Basement Renovation & Waterproofing 

Purpose: Seal, waterproof, and organize the basement to protect supplies and create functional storage. 

Rationale: Current moisture issues risk damage to food donations, linens, and household goods. Upgrades will prevent mold and structural degradation. 

Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $5,000 

Anticipated Outcome: Preservation of over $10,000 in annual in-kind donations and safe storage capacity for 12 months of resident supplies. 

Priority: Medium 

Additional Refrigerator 

Purpose: Add an additional refrigerator for resident meal prep and food storage. 

Rationale: Shared space is currently inadequate for multiple families. An additional unit supports weekly budgeting, nutrition, and self-sufficiency training. 

Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $1,500 

Anticipated Outcome: Reduces food waste; enables weekly meal prep classes for all residents. 

Priority: Medium 

Resident Bathroom Renovation 

Purpose: Fully remodel aging bathroom facilities for comfort, hygiene, and accessibility. 

Rationale: High-traffic use over time has caused structural wear and deterioration. A renovation will ensure a safe, dignified space for residents. 

Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $7,500 

Anticipated Outcome: Enhanced hygiene, safety, and morale for all residents. 

Priority: High 

Sustainability & Long-Term Impact 

• Self-Sufficiency: Residents participate in skill-building programs that integrate household care, budgeting, and employment readiness. 
• Empowerment Through Ownership: Maintenance and upkeep projects provide hands-on training opportunities. 
• Community Leadership: One graduate is currently working to launch her own recovery home for women, demonstrating the replicable impact of our model. 
• Financial Independence: 100% privately funded through grants, donors, and community partnerships — ensuring mission-driven flexibility and sustainability. 

Summary of Impact 

Each of these needs represents more than a repair or purchase — it’s an investment in human dignity, safety, and opportunity. 
 
By meeting these needs, funders directly support: 
• 25+ women and children annually in long-term residential transformation 
• 100+ families through outreach and alumni programs 
• A proven pathway from homelessness to self-sufficiency.