The Hope for Homes Project (HFH) has been changing the lives of Tampa Bay residents for the past couple years. We were there when the mostly volunteer team renovated their first home. This September their team will repair a home of an East Tampa family; a mother and five children. We spoke with Co-founder Jason Sowell about Hope for Homes. BTW, Vistra Communications is a proud sponsor of the HFH Project. We believe in this organization and the manner it helps restore HOPE in families. Consider joining us.
What is the Hope For Homes Project (HFH) and what does the organization do?
The Hope For Homes Project is a project by Current of Tampa Bay, Inc. that provides remodeling and improvement work on homes owned by lower and middle income families. We basically bring some hope to hopeless situations for families regarding their homes. We do this by repairing and enhancing damaged areas of their homes.
Current educates young adults on current social initiatives and mobilize them to bring about change. Current establishes college campus groups for awareness and education, organizes local projects such as the Laundry Love Project and the Hope For Homes Project, and leads yearly domestic and international mission trips.
When did you start doing the projects?
We started the Hope For Homes Project in 2010.
Why did you start the projects?
How many projects has HFH completed?
We have completed two projects since July of 2010 for two beautiful families.
What do you hope to accomplish?
We want to restore hope to people who need it. Some needs just weigh people down so much that it shreds their hope. We want to restore some of that hope and by that restore neighborhoods. We believe good people change neighborhoods and people with hope breed hope in others.
What do the projects mean for the families? Communities?
So far these projects have been life changing for these families. They’ve helped them overcome some things that were standing in the way of them taking the next step in their lives. It’s been an amazing difference for them just in terms of attitude about life in general. Because of these projects these families are helping others and giving hope to others in their communities through their stories and the actions they’ve taken to since the projects to help others in their communities.
Tell us about a memorable project moment
One of the most memorable moments has definitely got to be during our first project when the family came home to see their newly renovated house. These kids went crazy running through the house seeing the changes that were made. I’ll never forget them coming home and seeing the artwork that we left in the house in memory of the oldest son who died a few years before. They were in tears and simply said to us that they were on top of the world. It made me realize once again how crucial a home is for people.
What are some obstacles HFH has faced? What did you do to overcome them?
That first project nearly killed us. We kept running into minor problems that could compound and become big problems. Furniture we were counting on didn’t come through; we were short on funds we needed to really complete some things…on and on. But, in the moment, we had some people step up that had just read an article about our project and took care of some of the needs. We had a furniture company that stepped in and donated the pieces we need. Individuals that were involved sacrificed and came through at critical points to help us overcome these obstacles. I wish I could legitimately explain in detail how it all worked out but honestly some of it was simply just miracles. Looking back on that first project I’m amazed we did what we did. It’s almost unexplainable.
What differentiates you from others that provide similar services?
Well we are definitely smaller and much more grassroots than anybody else doing similar things. We’re very intentional about working with contractors that are trustworthy, working with local churches within each community we help and local community organizations so that there are people helping beyond just working on a house. We want to help lives and change families for generations to come in more ways than just fixing their home. And, we really try to focus on families that are working to take care of themselves and working in their communities to help others.
Is there anything about HFH you would like to see changed?
The biggest thing I’d like to see changed is the struggle we have to finance projects. If we had more businesses and individuals that stepped in the sponsor families then we could do even more for people.
What motivates people to help your organization?
I think what motivates people is that what we are doing is tangible. Our projects are simple and real. They meet a specific need and people can see that need and very easily be a part of meeting it. It’s not the other side of world and difficult to get to. They’re right here in our front yards and local neighborhoods. People are motivated to help causes they can get their hands into.
How can people help?
People can help by donating financially, donating and purchasing needed supplies and volunteering at projects. They can do this on our website at www.homesbycurrent.org.
