Hope Houses: Emerson House

While other youth programs offer education and vocational training, for many youths it is critical that they have immediate employment to support themselves or their families. Project Hope addresses that need by directly employing youths in our after-school job’s program Hope Houses.

Hope Houses provides materials and labor for low-income housing in Portland and teaches students job skills and responsibility. Youths work side by side with licensed contractors, learning everything from framing a house to installing flooring.

The program also donates materials to the community and other non-profits, impressing upon students the importance of charitable giving and being part of a community.

Hope Houses’ mission is twofold:

1. Real application of job training. Our goal is to provide youth with the skills and experience necessary to compete in today’s work place environment and earn a living wage.

2. Provide a means for families to own their home and improve neighborhoods in Portland.

In October 2009, Hope Houses completed their first home for a young family, the Tarka’s. Jason is a worship pastor and Alison is a stay at home mom to their two young children. They were unable to afford a home; Hope Houses assisted by donating materials* and labor that helped offset the cost and helped make their dream of homeownership a reality. Excited and pleased, the Tarka’s couldn’t be happier with their new home. “This house has been the opportunity of our lives and we still can't believe it will become our home.”

Project Hope places importance on all individuals and our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued. We strive to promote that message in our own community, starting with the most vulnerable among us. Hope Houses represents the core of our mission: building futures and restoring lives.

Donated items include the following: kitchen and bathroom cabinets, bathtubs, hardwood and vinyl flooring, wire shelving, sinks, light fixtures, ceiling fans and more.

*Donations made possible by Home Depot.