About Us
We strive to use 98% of the money you donate to support HOPe projects that enhance the lives of impoverished men, women, and children. All accepted project proposals are reviewed and voted on by our Appropriations Committee.
We support grassroots development projects that have strong community ownership and participation. Working together increases the potential for success and social change.
HOPe was founded in Yonkers, New York, in 2001 in response to the scandal of extreme poverty in the developing world. The men and women who came together to found HOPe were moved especially by the plight of children who have no chance of a normal life, no chance to grow and no chance to develop their God-given talents.
While HOPe is non-sectarian and has members from all ethnic and religious backgrounds, most of the founding members are of Irish heritage. They are greatly influenced by the Great Famine, which devastated Ireland in the middle of the 19th century when more than one million people died of starvation or in coffin ships. The memory of those times is seared in the minds of many Irish people who can never forget the awful consequences of hunger and malnutrition.
There is also a strong moral dimension to HOPe. All the great religions teach about the brotherhood of man; we are called to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
HOPe does not foster a handout mentality among the poor. We work with established, reputable groups who are already doing good work on the ground. We only fund projects to open doors for people that help them to help themselves. We focus on providing basic health care, education and training facilities, and feeding stations where healthy food is provided, especially for families.
While HOPe is a small organization, we are determined to make an impact, to open the door of opportunity for as many people as possible. One of our founding members, Bridie Buckley, summed up the philosophy of HOPe very well when she said:
“I am blessed with three healthy children and four fine grandchildren, who have every opportunity to develop their talents and have a full life. I am grateful for these blessings and I am determined to help others, especially families, who have little or no chance of a healthy and fulfilling life.”
