In 2008 HOPE Helps, Inc., an array of faith groups in Seminole County joined forces to create HOPE’s Interfaith Coalition, a grassroots initiative that cooperatively and compassionately addresses poverty, hunger and homelessness in our community. The coalition provides volunteers, coordinates food and clothing drives and provides financial support for individuals and families in crisis. But more important, we proactively deal with the underlying causes of the problems that families in our region face. Our objective is to bring positive change to our community by listening carefully, thinking outside the box, developing viable solutions and acting intentionally. As an Interfaith Coalition, we set aside theological differences and unitedly focus on the pressing challenges that face us.
HOPE and the faith groups across Seminole County share a common goal: to serve those in need. But no single partner in the Interfaith Coalition can do all that needs to be done. Working together, however, the range of needs can be met more completely and more efficiently. In some instances, professional case-management services are required to assist clients with financial or job-search needs. Faith groups can refer such cases to HOPE. Faith groups can also provide vouchers to individuals or families in need, which can be used at HOPE’s Community Thrift Store. In turn, HOPE’s case managers can provide feedback to each faith group, letting them know about client progress and how the group can continue to be of help.
Through bulletins and e-newsletters, the various faith groups in the Interfaith Coalition can disseminate information about HOPE’s outreach events. They can recruit activity leaders and the volunteers who work in HOPE’s Food Pantry and Thrift Store. Faith groups can host HOPE’s Donation Truck, parking it at their facility overnight and coordinating the collection of much-needed food and clothing–which benefits those in need right here in our own community. (Check HOPE’s calendar for a date that’s convenient for you and your group.)
We look forward to your participation in HOPE’s Interfaith Coalition. Any time you’d like to visit HOPE and learn more, please contact us at tours@hopehelps.org. If you know of an individual or family in need, inform us at resources@hopehelps.org. For upcoming event information, please contact events@hopehelps.org.
“I became involved with HOPE Helps Inc. through ministering in Public Affairs with my Church. I seek opportunities for our members to serve the poor and needy in their communities. In a day when the needs of the poor seem to be infinite and charitable resources finite, I believe the work of helping the poor must be driven by two principles in order to be effective: True charity and good stewardship. HOPE emulates both.
HOPE assists families in crisis with the Truest of charity; they seek to restore peoples’ self-reliance. With intensive case management, HOPE works on the root causes and empowers their clients to overcome them and thus regain personal independence, industry, thrift, and dignity.
HOPE is a good steward of the time, talents, and capital of its donors and volunteers. They ensure clients’ appropriate use of resources. And by forming the Interfaith Coalition, redundant efforts are eliminated and strength attained through unity”.
– a Coalition member.
Coalition Partners:
Action Church 1485 Grand Rd. Winter Park, FL 21792 www.theactionchurch.com 407-965-2331
Antioch Missionary Baptist 311 E. Broadway Oviedo, 32765 www.antioch-mbc.org 407-365-5341
Church of the Incarnation 1601 Alafaya Trail Oviedo, 32765 www.incarnationoviedo.com 407-365-5651
City Awakening Church 4800 Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park, FL 32792 https://
Core Faith Church 50 Magnolia St. Oviedo, 32765 www.corefaithchurch.org 407-359-3947
Crosslife 45 W Broadway St, Oviedo, FL 32765 https://crosslifechurch.com/ 407-365-3484
First Baptist Church of Chuluota 200 Lake Mills Road Chuluota, 32766 www.firstbaptistchuluota.org 407-365-8323
East Coast Believers Church 3053 W. State Rd. 426 Oviedo, 32765 www.eastcoastbelievers.church 407-774-3222
Epiphany Lutheran 1498 Tuskawilla Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 http://www.epiphanyoviedo.org/ 407-678-6672
First Baptist Church of Chuluota 201 Lake Mills Rd, Chuluota, FL 32766 https://www.firstbaptistchuluota.org/ 407-365-8323
First United Methodist Church of Oviedo 263 King Street Oviedo, 32765 http://fumco.net
Integrity Church 1425 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708 https://www.integritychurchswfl.com/ 407-902-3951
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church 113 Lockwood Blvd Oviedo, 32765 www.oviedocatholic.org 407-365-3231
New Covenant Anglican Church 800 Tuskawilla Rd Oviedo, 32765 www.new-covenant-church.com 407-699-0202
Oviedo City Church 300 W State Rd 434, Oviedo, FL 32765 https://www.oviedocity.church/ 407-205-9073
Palmwood Church www.palmwoodchurch.com 321-348-0020
River Run Christian Church 141 River Run Point Chuluota, 32766 www.riverruncc.org 407-977-5433
Sikh Society of Central Florida 2527 W State Rd 426, Oviedo, FL 32765 http://orlandogurudwara.com/ 407-366-3136
St. Alban’s Anglican Church 3348 W. SR 426 Oviedo, 32765 www.stalbansfl.com 407-657-2376
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 2021 W. SR 426 Oviedo, 32765 http://stlukes-oviedo.org 407-365-3408
St. Matthews Episcopal Church 5873 North Dean Road Orlando, 32817 www.stmatthewsorlando.org 407-657-9199
St. Stephen Catholic Church 575 Tuskawilla Rd. Winter Springs, 32708 www.St-Stephen.com 407-699-5683
Temple Shir Shalom 50 S Moss Rd. Winter Springs, 32708 www.templeshirshalom.org 407-366-3556
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 350 West Artesia Avenue Oviedo, 32765 www.mormon.org 407-687-6323
The Foundry Church 1491 E State Rd 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708 http://www.visitfoundry.org/ 407-216-2606
Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church 3600 W. SR 426 Oviedo, 32765 www.mytpc.org 407-671-4173
Tuskawilla United Methodist Church 3925 Red Bug Lake Rd. Casselberry, 32707 www.tumcfl.org 407-699-8155
Unity Center for Positive Living 1239 S. US HWY 17-92 Longwood, 32750 www.unitychurch.com 321-422-0926
University Carillon United Methodist 1395 Campus View Court Oviedo, 32765 www.ucumc.net 407-359-2112
University Unitarian 11648 McCulloch Rd, Orlando, FL 32817 https://universityuus.org/ 407-737-4018
Vital Church 281 N Division St. Oviedo, 32765 www.vitalorlando.com 407-365-5557