Door of Hope Receives $100,000 Rural Changemaker Grant for Homeless Shelter

Brown County, OH – The Door of Hope is proud to announce the receipt of a significant grant from Interact for Health’s Rural Changemaker Program to support the Opening of the House of Hope, an emergency supportive shelter initiative designed to address the critical crisis of poverty, homelessness, and health disparities in Brown County, Ohio. This is a key partnership to impact a vulnerable underserved population in the community. Interact for Health’s Rural Changmaker Program provides strategic funding that enhances and supports grassroots work addressing community-identified challenges and inequalities related to health in the rural regions served by Interact for Health in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With 16% of residents living below the poverty line and no existing homeless shelter, vulnerable individuals in Brown County face increased risks of health and housing instability. This grant will enable the House of Hope to provide comprehensive, evidence-based services that address these interconnected challenges. Key Project Initiatives: The House of Hope will provide: Emergency Supportive Housing: Safe and stable shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Onsite Support Services: Access to mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and preventive healthcare in partnership with local organizations. Case Management: Connection to vital resources, including healthcare, employment support, and social services. Transportation and Telehealth Services: Solutions to overcome rural transportation barriers, ensuring access to medical care and social services. Community Impact and Health Outcomes: The House of Hope initiative aligns with the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for the homeless population. Research indicates that supportive housing significantly reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, addressing underlying health issues and easing the burden on healthcare systems. "The House of Hope project is not just about providing shelter—it’s about transforming lives by addressing the root causes of homelessness and health issues that are both a contributor too and a result of it," said Stacey Strasser, Executive Director at The Door of Hope. "This grant allows us to provide both basic needs as well as a place for key collaborators that serve this population to meet them where they are and work together to implement a holistic, integrated approach that promotes healing, stability, and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations .” Collaborative Community Approach: The initiative involves strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations, including: Brown County Mental Health & Addiction Board Brown County Board of Health Adams County Regional Health Center ODJFS & Child Protective Services Ray of Hope Mental Health & Restore at a Ray of Hope Addiction Services Local law enforcement and judiciary members Special Touch homecare God’s Grace Food Pantry Aberdeen Maincross Church These collaborations ensure a continuum of care, comprehensive support services, and community engagement throughout the project’s implementation and evaluation phases. A Holistic Vision for the Future: This initiative embodies The Door of Hope’s commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and poverty. By addressing homelessness and health disparities, the House of Hope will foster healthier, more equitable communities, aligning with broader rural health strategies. Transform Lives, Build Hope, Create Lasting Change. Together, we can inspire brighter futures for vulnerable individuals and families in Brown County. For more information and ways you can support the program, visit http://doorofhopeohio.org or contact Stacey Strasser (513)884-7083 or Stacey@thedoorhelps.com. About The Door of Hope: The Door of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations by providing comprehensive support services, including emergency shelter, foster care, and outreach programs. Our mission is to transform lives through empathy, innovation, and the agape love of Jesus. Interact For Health announcement Brown County, OH – The Door of Hope is proud to announce the receipt of a significant grant from Interact for Health’s Rural Changemaker Program to support the Opening of the House of Hope, an emergency supportive shelter initiative designed to address the critical crisis of poverty, homelessness, and health disparities in Brown County, Ohio. This is a key partnership to impact a vulnerable underserved population in the community. Interact for Health’s Rural Changmaker Program provides strategic funding that enhances and supports grassroots work addressing community-identified challenges and inequalities related to health in the rural regions served by Interact for Health in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With 16% of residents living below the poverty line and no existing homeless shelter, vulnerable individuals in Brown County face increased risks of health and housing instability. This grant will enable the House of Hope to provide comprehensive, evidence-based services that address these interconnected challenges. Key Project Initiatives: The House of Hope will provide: Emergency Supportive Housing: Safe and stable shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Onsite Support Services: Access to mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and preventive healthcare in partnership with local organizations. Case Management: Connection to vital resources, including healthcare, employment support, and social services. Transportation and Telehealth Services: Solutions to overcome rural transportation barriers, ensuring access to medical care and social services. Community Impact and Health Outcomes: The House of Hope initiative aligns with the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for the homeless population. Research indicates that supportive housing significantly reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, addressing underlying health issues and easing the burden on healthcare systems. "The House of Hope project is not just about providing shelter—it’s about transforming lives by addressing the root causes of homelessness and health issues that are both a contributor too and a result of it," said Stacey Strasser, Executive Director at The Door of Hope. "This grant allows us to provide both basic needs as well as a place for key collaborators that serve this population to meet them where they are and work together to implement a holistic, integrated approach that promotes healing, stability, and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations .” Collaborative Community Approach: The initiative involves strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations, including: Brown County Mental Health & Addiction Board Brown County Board of Health Adams County Regional Health Center ODJFS & Child Protective Services Ray of Hope Mental Health & Restore at a Ray of Hope Addiction Services Local law enforcement and judiciary members Special Touch homecare God’s Grace Food Pantry Aberdeen Maincross Church These collaborations ensure a continuum of care, comprehensive support services, and community engagement throughout the project’s implementation and evaluation phases. A Holistic Vision for the Future: This initiative embodies The Door of Hope’s commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and poverty. By addressing homelessness and health disparities, the House of Hope will foster healthier, more equitable communities, aligning with broader rural health strategies. Transform Lives, Build Hope, Create Lasting Change. Together, we can inspire brighter futures for vulnerable individuals and families in Brown County. For more information and ways you can support the program, visit http://thedoorhelps.com or contact Stacey Strasser (513)884-7083 or Stacey@thedoorhelps.com. About The Door of Hope: The Door of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations by providing comprehensive support services, including emergency shelter, foster care, and outreach programs. Our mission is to transform lives through empathy, innovation, and the agape love of Jesus. Read Interact for Health full announcement at https://www.interactforhealth.org/news/420/interact-for-health-awards-322500-for-rural-changemaker-grant/