OUR STORY
When one family needed help,
a movement was born.
The H.O.P.E. (Helping People Overcome Poverty through Empowerment) Project was founded by Executive Director Vanessa Jenkins after watching her son struggle following a serious accident - feeling isolated, hurting, and without anywhere to turn. He confided that many of his friends were also experiencing these challenges.
The H.O.P.E. Project addresses the full picture of what an individual needs to heal from trauma and thrive. Our programs provide food, housing support, mental health resources and someone in their corner.
WHAT WE DO
Where there is HOPE, there is healing
We meet people where they are - with programs designed for the real challenges facing individuals and families in the Twin Cities.
Men's mental health & emotional wellness
A safe, trauma-informed session where men of color can process grief, loss, and other issues in a supportive space
Housing Stabilization
Emergency resources for stable housing
We partner with The Wilder Foundation to provide emergency rental assistance to help stabilize those in danger of becoming unhoused or are homeless.
Domestic violence support & prevention (ages 18+)
Rooted in our founder's lived experience - practical resources, emotional and mental support and community for women navigating abuse
Life skills & empowerment for ages 12-18
Life skills, including financial literacy, healthy relationships, and developing a positive self-image - because a girl who knows her power is unstoppable!
Food Support
Weekly and monthly food distributions
Our volunteers work tirelessly to distribute food donations from Kowalski's Markets and other supporters, because hunger doesn't take a week off.
Youth & Family Services
Wraparound support for families and youth
Connecting parents, children, and caregivers to resources and community - meeting families exactly where they are.
OUR IMPACT
What HOPE looks like in numbers
Since our founding, the Twin Cities community has shown up to help us meet the needs of the most vulnerable
2,000+
Families & individuals fed through weekly and monthly food donations from our partners and donors, including Kowalski's and Costco.
250+
Men, women & youth received mental & emotional support, mentoring & life skills training and resources.
10
Vulnerable individuals and families received direct housing assistance in collaboration with the Wilder Foundation
These aren't just numbers - they're individuals and families who are still standing, and even thriving, because someone cared and showed up to help.
HOPE shows up - every single week
Food support for families throughout the year
Our volunteers and partners come together weekly and monthly throughout the year to distribute food - because no neighbor should go hungry.
Giving back is what we do
Volunteers and program participants offer help and distribute resources to neighbors in need throughout the Twin Cities.
When sponsors show up, so does joy
Community youth were treated to a Timberwolves game - a reminder that they are seen, valued and celebrated.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Girl's Safe Space
A supportive, empowering environment for girls ages 12-18 to grow in confidence, discover their voice, and build healthy, successful futures.
Meets every 3rd Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
St Paul, MN
Next dates:
May 16, 2026
June 20, 2026
July 18, 2026
Christmas in July
4th Annual Community outreach event, features family-friendly activities, free toys and food, networking and important resources for the community. Open to all, no registration required.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Noon - 6pm
5th & Minnesota, St Paul
Special Thanks to Sponsors and Partners Across the Twin Cities
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your generosity changes everything
The HOPE Project believes that no one should face their hardest moments alone. Whether you give $10 or $1,000, your funds go directly to helping a mother find stable housing, a family have healthy meals to eat, a young man learn to breathe through his pain, or a teenage girl discover what she's capable of and plan for a successful future.
That's not a small thing. That's everything!
The HOPE Project MN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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