Home Makers of Hope (HMOH) has been providing essential furnishings and household items to families and individuals struggling with poverty since 2008. HMOH is supported by Tampa area Catholic churches, including Christ the King, St. Paul, and St. Stephen. Area businesses and hotels have also provided HMOH with substantial monetary and furniture donations.
Volunteer Opportunities: A large percentage of the requests come from within the St. Lawrence Parish boundaries. HMOH is hoping that St. Lawrence will be able to join the other three Catholic churches as a service hub. That will depend on the number of volunteers from within our parish who can make a commitment to this important work. To find out more contact Peter Cruikshank, ministry@stlawrence.org
Furnishing a home is expensive for anyone, but especially for those suffering hardships or returning from homelessness. After paying for basic needs such as food, rent and utilities, there is usually little left to buy beds or furniture. HMOH makes a home by providing linens and beds to sleep on, fully equipping their kitchens and decorating living areas to encourage family time.
HMOH has built partnerships with local outreach agencies and schools whose case workers refer families and individuals in need. HMOH family liaisons visit homes to do an assessment and complete a checklist of needs. These volunteers then meet in the HMOH warehouse of donated items to select the items of need, deliver them to the homes, set them up and, finally, to pray with the family members.