A Lot New in 2019 and More in 2020

It’s been a busy and exciting year at Hope’s Corner, where “new” has been the operative word. However, just like in those cheesy TV commercials for knives and sunglasses, we say, “But wait, there’s more” for 2020.

The biggest and best of what’s new at Hope’s Corner is our new kitchen. Its completion and outfitting, combined with new rolling stainless steel serving tables, have allowed us to serve our guests hot breakfasts more efficiently and effectively.

Another new addition is the laundry room that was built as part of the kitchen remodel. Not only has it reduced our costs for laundering towels and bath mats used by our shower program, it’s enabled us to offer a new and very popular service – washing our homeless shower guests’ clothes. One of our Girl Scout volunteers figured out the procedures for the laundry program as her Girl Scout Silver Award service project. 

In 2019, we got a new (for us, but used) van for picking up food, eliminating the need for volunteers to use their own vehicles. And we can’t forget the new benches that were built as a Boy Scout’s Eagle service project and installed outside the showers for our guests’ comfort.

Although not directly related to our operations, we also managed and oversaw critical new facility improvements. These included replacement of the original restrooms and installation of sprinklers required for the cold weather shelter for women and families that opened after Thanksgiving. 

So, while there’s been a lot “new” at Hope’s Corner during 2019, there’s more “new” to come in 2020. Plans are underway for a new culinary training program to be rolled out in the spring to help unhoused and low-income individuals find jobs in the food service industry. Hope’s Corner will coordinate with several other organizations – County of Santa Clara, Los Altos United Methodist Church, LifeMoves and JobTrain – to facilitate this program, which will use our new kitchen. 

Later in 2020, we expect to expand our breakfast program and serve breakfast another day each week. We’re also planning to hire a new part-time employee to replace part-time kitchen manager Don D’Arcy, who moved out of the area. This employee will assume both kitchen oversight duties and some administrative responsibilities for Hope’s Corner’s operations.

We look forward to the New Year and know that, with your help, we’ll continue making a difference in the lives of underserved members of our community. Thank you for supporting Hope’s Corner!