During this year’s spring break, the Boys to Men and Girls with Purpose nonprofit organization participated in a community service learning project as part of the HYPE Project Team. The HYPE Project is dedicated to unlocking our youth’s potential with the understanding and agency to make a difference. It provides invaluable opportunities for youth to develop critical thinking skills, build relationships with community stakeholders, and engage in fun, practical ways to create policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes. You can find more information about the HYPE Project on wholespire.org.
All the kids underwent a 4-week training program focused on designing, safely utilizing tools, and constructing Hope Houses. This program included hands-on workshops and team-building activities. The mentees decided to create Hope Houses for people experiencing homelessness, akin to sidewalk libraries. Hope Houses serve as drop-off points for canned goods or toiletry items for the community’s less fortunate. Our Hope Houses are now up and running, ready to serve our community! These houses will be restocked weekly at three locations: Calhoun Street across from Manning Baptist Church, the alley between Hampton and Main Street, and behind the laundromat on the corner of 301 and Calhoun.
Dillon County citizens, your contributions are crucial to the success of our initiative. You can contribute items to the houses themselves or donate non-perishable food and essential items such as sanitary supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, bar soap, wipes, and bottled water. To coordinate the pick up of items you wish to donate, please contact Kimberly Porter at (843) 506-5155 or zizaporter@aol.com. Monetary donations to purchase items can be made via https://boystomengirlswithpurpose.org/ (please specify Hope House). With your support, our kids will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
