HOPE—Helping Other People through Empowerment, Inc—is a peer led private non-profit focused on supporting its participants’ journey toward mental health and/or addiction recovery, and alleviating homelessness. It is a low-barrier agency where individuals who have had difficulty engaging in traditional services are welcomed by those who have traveled a path of recovery and are positive peer role models.
HOPE is supported through the generous grants of the State of Maryland Behavioral Health Administration, Housing and Urban Development, and private donations from our committed community. There is no charge for the peer supported services, insurance is not needed, and is never billed.
HOPE has two locations. One, located on Loch Raven Rd in Baltimore City, is a WRC/RCC* drop-in center where guests and members can receive help with basic needs in-house. This includes showers, laundry service, use of a telephone, use of computers and internet, recharge cell phone, use as a permanent mailing address, breakfast, coffee hour, lunch, clothing closet, and use of the recreation room.
We also sponsor AA, NA, Double Trouble, WRAP, & LIFERs meetings, men’s group, women’s group, yoga, haircuts, poetry workshop, HIV & Hep C testing, holiday celebrations, day trips, and scholarships to the annual On Our Own convention in Ocean City, Maryland.
At the center members can also receive referrals to other services, such as; mental and somatic health care, detox, addictions services, case management, job training, health insurance, and ID acquisition, as well as many others. In some cases, members may meet with their outside providers (e.g., case manager, therapist) in a private office at the HOPE center.
HOPE staff also participate in outreach to area agencies concerned with behavior health issues and homelessness in order to provide an uplifting example of peers in long-term recovery, reduce stigma associated with behavior health, and raise awareness of opportunities at HOPE.
The center also offers the prospect of earning the Certified Peer Specialist professional designation. This includes; educational seminars, volunteer opportunities, and peer supervision. There may be a charge to participate in this program.
The other site, located on Bel Air Rd in Baltimore City, is a 20 bed Safe Haven for individuals who are chronically and persistently homelessness and mental ill as defined by HUD. At this site residents receive services that promote stabilization and acquisition of life skills. Working with a Case Manager is central to the program in order to obtain additional resources, such as; mental health care, somatic care, substance abuse treatment, and obtaining ID, entitlements, and health insurance. Participation in HOPE center activities is encouraged. Successful completion is measured by a participant securing a permanent residence of their own.
* Wellness Recovery Center/Recovery Community Center