Hope in Action

The Power of Women

Women across the nation are joining forces to change the world. “Giving Circles” are encouraging women to get involved in philanthropy and to take their collective voice to make a significant difference in local communities. According to a Fidelity Charitable Survey, women play a central role in philanthropy, leading charitable giving within their families, using their time and skills to advance causes within their communities, and embodying purpose and heart.

In celebration of the power of women, Hope through Housing is launching “Women of Hope” and is seeking local business and community leaders who are passionate about our mission to help deepen our impact in 2019 and beyond. We are looking to Women of Hope members to champion Hope through Housing’s new initiative for children and teens, “Building Bright Futures” focused on school success, scholarship support, and college and career readiness.

Women of Hope is an opportunity for women to give back and support their communities, expand their networks and enjoy the camaraderie of others. Members will be invited to quarterly meetings, social and volunteer activities throughout the year, including a unique fundraising event at Victoria Gardens in the late spring, and other scheduled Hope through Housing and National CORE events.

If you are interested in joining Women of Hope or for more information, please contact Alyssa Cotter at acotter@hthf.org or (909) 204-3446.

With a Little Help from Hope through Housing: Overcoming Barriers to Employment

Omekia Candelaria had already submitted several job applications without any luck when she saw the flyer for Pathways to Economic Empowerment, a service of Hope through Housing that provides assistance with job readiness, credit repair, and home-buying. Concerned her resume could be the reason, Omekia reached out to Jennifer Cervantes, the Services Coordinator at Arrowhead Grove in San Bernardino for help.

Jennifer encouraged Omekia to apply to as many jobs as she could, and Omekia soon received an interview request. She was excited about the opportunity. On the day of the interview, she printed her resume and selected her best outfit–a pair of pants, flats and a ruffled blouse. She was confident about her chances and knew her computer skills would be a great asset.

A few days later, Omekia received a call. She was informed that she didn’t get the position due to concerns about her attire, which they felt was unprofessional. Despite not hiring her, the organization did offer to enroll her in their job preparation program. Unfortunately, Omekia didn’t have the time to invest because she needed a job as soon as possible. She couldn’t understand why the interviewer felt she was dressed unprofessionally and began to worry if other employers would feel the same. Anxious, Omekia reached out to Jennifer again for help.

Jennifer went straight to work. She pulled up Pinterest on her computer to show Omekia examples of professional attire. Knowing Omekia did not have the money to purchase new clothes, Jennifer began visiting local department stores to share Omekia’s story and to ask for help. Touched by Omekia’s story, the local Marshall’s offered Jennifer a $50 gift card on the spot. Excited to be able to help, Jennifer purchased a notecard for Omekia so she could include words of encouragement and included the gift card. “It’s nice to know that there is someone out there who is willing to help me succeed,” said Omekia. “I really appreciate everything Jennifer has done for me and my family. I’ve learned a lot from her, and now when I go to interviews, I’ll look the part.”

On May 29, Omekia interviewed with Kaiser Permanente for a custodial position, a position she was recently offered. It is not her dream job, but she is thankful for the opportunity and the stability it will bring her family. She intends to work hard and demonstrate her commitment to the company in the hopes that other opportunities will come her way. With new employment on the horizon, Omekia can begin working toward her next dream of purchasing a home for her family.

“I’m very proud of Omekia,” said Jennifer Cervantes, Community Coordinator. “She took the initiative to get help. She is determined, and I am so proud to be able to help her on her journey.”

To read more Stories of Hope, go to https://hthf.org/dreams-of-hope/.

Hope through Housing Partners with Ontario Fury: Don’t Miss CORE Night on March 30!

Partnerships make it possible for Hope through Housing to create an environment where every day we impact the lives of children, families, and seniors and give hope, opportunity and personal attention to individuals who need our help. One of those partners is the Ontario Fury, a professional arena soccer team, who plays at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. A true community partner, the Ontario Fury started their own Foundation to support children through educational, health and fitness-based programs. For Hope through Housing, the partnership has led to free soccer camps for our children and teens, special appearances by Stryker, the Ontario Fury Mascot, and having the team volunteer at special events, such as the annual Colonies Holiday Miracles, benefitting 200 disadvantaged children and their families in San Bernardino County each year.

For the 2018-2019 season, the Ontario Fury offered Hope through Housing the opportunity to raise money through the sale of mini soccer balls at the beginning of each home game for the third-quarter ball toss. Participants of the ball toss have a chance to win a variety of prizes ranging from gift cards to Ontario Fury swag. Through this partnership, Hope through Housing has raised more than $3,000 averaging $500 per game and has been able to offer volunteer opportunities to corporate partners.

In honor of this amazing partnership, we would like to invite you to join us for CORE Night at the Fury on Saturday, March 30^th as we cheer on our favorite team, the Ontario Fury, at Citizens Business Bank in Ontario, Calif. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the game starts at 6:00 p.m. All proceeds from the ball toss and jersey auction will benefit Hope through Housing.

To reserve FREE tickets, please contact Alyssa Cotter at acotter@hthf.org. To see how you can support Hope through Housing efforts, please go to https://hthf.org/ways-to-give/circle-of-hope/.

Hope through Housing Opens Pathways Center for Economic Empowerment

On January 23, the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Hope through Housing’s first Pathways Center for Economic Empowerment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Hope through Housing’s donors, Chamber members, community partners, business leaders, and elected officials. The event took place at the affordable housing community of Monterey Village in Rancho Cucamonga, home of Hope through Housing’s new Pathways Center.

Guests at the event had the opportunity to hear first-hand from residents Edward and Rose Brown, who are working with Hope through Housing’s financial coach, Heidi Reyes, to purchase a home. Mr. Brown commented, “Working with Heidi has given me my financial confidence back.” Heidi responded, “It is so rewarding to be able to tell a family that you can help them reach their goals. The look on their faces when I told them that they were financially ready to purchase a home brought tears to my eyes.”

The Pathways Center offers one-on-one financial coaching to help families improve their financial and social well-being by providing on-going financial education in the areas of basic financial planning, money management, online banking, budgeting, asset building, and home ownership. The Pathways Center allows Hope through Housing to have a deeper impact and a better understanding of how it can help families achieve their hopes and dreams for their future.

Attendee Malik Mallory, a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and member of Hope through Housing’s Inland Empire Executive Leadership Council, commented, “I am proud to be part of something that is making a difference. I know first-hand that the only way to break the cycle of poverty is through education and opportunity.”

To learn more about Hope through Housing’s Pathways to Economic Empowerment, go to https://hthf.org/who-we-are/.