Dear Friends,
At Blessings of Hope, we are privileged to partner with organizations that share our mission of bringing hope to those in need. Today, we’d like to introduce you to one of these incredible partner ministries: Off the Streets, a ministry dedicated to helping individuals and families transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
The story of Off the Streets began in the 1990s when its founder, Deacon Michael Oles, gave a presentation on homelessness to a group of schoolchildren. Moved by the stories he shared, the children raised enough funds to cover a housing security deposit for one of the men featured in the presentation. This heartfelt act of kindness planted the seeds for a movement.
Word spread, and soon unsolicited donations from churches began to pour in, enabling Deacon Michael to help even more individuals secure stable housing. In 2009, he formalized these efforts by founding Off the Streets as a nonprofit organization, rallying volunteers to join the cause. Since then, the ministry has achieved remarkable results: an average of three families per week have been transitioned to permanent housing in the Lancaster area since 2013. In total, Off the Streets has helped 5,600 individuals and families leave homelessness behind.
Off the Streets doesn’t just stop at providing security deposits, essential furniture, and household items—they go a step further to ensure families feel truly supported. That’s where Blessings of Hope comes in. Every family transitioning to permanent housing receives a welcome box filled with food, its contents provided by Blessings of Hope. This simple yet profound gesture not only meets immediate nutritional needs but also brings joy and comfort during a life-changing moment. Together, Off the Streets and Blessings of Hope provide a fresh start filled with practical support and the warmth of community care.
We invite you to hear more about this inspiring ministry by watching our video featuring some of its dedicated volunteers. Their stories will move you and give you a deeper understanding of the incredible impact this partnership has on our community.
Saved from Homelessness Video:
Your support makes partnerships like this possible. By donating to Blessings of Hope, you enable us to continue serving vital community organizations like Off the Streets, ensuring families in need can step into a brighter future.
Let’s work together to bring hope, one family at a time.
Warmly,
Blessings of Hope
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. Psalm 112:5
