Q: Can I have free stuff?

A: It really depends on what you mean by free stuff. First time visitors in need of diapers or formula receive one package free. Everything else we provide comes under the control of the Community Care Program, and therefore must be worked for.

Q: What do you mean by I have to work for it?

A: The Community Care Program is a symbiotic relationship whereby individuals and households are benefited by the providing of certain necessary goods and commodities. Their labor then benefits Hope Outreach. Without the labor, the merchandise doesn’t reach the floor, without the merchandise, the store doesn’t make money, without the money, the ministry can’t function, and without the ministry, there is no place for people to turn for help.

Q: Well, what can I work for?

A: You can work for just about anything we have, or can provide, at Hope Outreach. This includes food, gasoline, medicine, diapers, clothing and small household needs, and utility assistance.

Q: What about Rent, can I work for that?

A:  No.  At this time we don’t have the funds to support that program. 

Q: How do I get started?

A: Stop in at 815 W. Maine and share your need(s) with us, we’ll do our best to help in any way that we may be able to.

Q:  What kind of work will I be doing?

A:  There are a variety of jobs that we need help with.  You may be helping us receive donations or sort donations.  You may also be asked to help us with general housekeeping at the store.  Others may help us with our recycling program.

Q: How much can I earn through Community Care?

A: Fuel vouchers: 2 hours, $15 every 90 days; Utilities voucher: 15 hours for $100, limited to 3 times in 12 months;  Clothing vouchers- 2 hours for $15; Prescription vouchers - 2 hours for $15; 1 Bag of Groceries - 1 hour;  and ID and Birth Certificates vouchers: up to 4 hours at minimum wage.

Q: Can I use my food money to buy a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of beer?

A: Most definitely not. We are here to help empower people to live responsibly, and spending food money on destructive habits is not very responsible. The first hour of work goes towards a sack of groceries that I will fill, and the second hour goes to a food voucher that may only be redeemed for milk, eggs, and margarine.

Q: Well what about prescriptions then? Can I work for $15 worth of pain pills?

A: Our prescription vouchers only apply to antibiotic medication. Pain pills or any type of psychotropic medications are not eligible.

Q: I have a heart problem, does that cut me out of working?

A: Not necessarily. If you have a heart problem or another disability we will search out a job that you are able to do if one is available, though our utilities voucher is restricted to those who are able to do physical labor.

Q: Well, when can I come down and work?

A: Community Care hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. Obviously, if you want to work for $13 worth of Gas, plan on coming down at 2:00pm, so that you can get your full time in.

Q: Why are you doing all of this?

A: Because long ago, a man died for me, that I might live life to its fullest. In return, I want to show everyone else that life doesn’t have to be horrible, scary, or even boring, but can be all it was meant to be. That man was Jesus, and I owe him everything, even if it means sitting at a desk and helping people.