How We Help - Hope Villages of America is a nonprofit providing hope restoration with dignity to those in need through innovative programs and services.

The Hope Villages of America Story

In 1967, fifteen local congregations of varying faiths and ethnicities came together to provide help & hope for people in need. Pinellas County grew, and with it grew the demand and the need for a helping hand. Eager to lend a helping hand, these congregations found themselves with fewer resources to serve a growing population. Determined to make a difference, these leaders studied the needs of the community and pooled their resources to provide efficient, secular services to the people of Pinellas County. Together they founded Religious Community Services, or RCS.

As Pinellas County Continued to grow, so did RCS, expanding and diversifying to meet the needs of the community. Results showed that the services RCS provided made a difference, and many more congregations and volunteers joined the efforts, each one wanting to build a better community. RCS focused on serving individuals and families with dignity, helping them along the path to self-sufficiency.

That focus remains strong today as RCS has become Hope Villages of America, directing resources to people facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence and the lack of basic needs. Hope Villages has evolved into a cooperative of professional staff members, integral volunteers and partnering faith congregations delivering reliable services to those most vulnerable in Pinellas County. Hope Villages continues to use research, communication and best practices to be a premier community based agency providing help & hope to people in need.

The Hope Villages of America Story

In 1967, fifteen local congregations of varying faiths and ethnicities came together to provide help & hope for people in need. Pinellas County grew, and with it grew the demand and the need for a helping hand. Eager to lend a helping hand, these congregations found themselves with fewer resources to serve a growing population. Determined to make a difference, these leaders studied the needs of the community and pooled their resources to provide efficient, secular services to the people of Pinellas County. Together they founded Religious Community Services, or RCS.

As Pinellas County Continued to grow, so did RCS, expanding and diversifying to meet the needs of the community. Results showed that the services RCS provided made a difference, and many more congregations and volunteers joined the efforts, each one wanting to build a better community. RCS focused on serving individuals and families with dignity, helping them along the path to self-sufficiency.

That focus remains strong today as RCS has become Hope Villages of America, directing resources to people facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence and the lack of basic needs. Hope Villages has evolved into a cooperative of professional staff members, integral volunteers and partnering faith congregations delivering reliable services to those most vulnerable in Pinellas County. Hope Villages continues to use research, communication and best practices to be a premier community based agency providing help & hope to people in need.

Our Programs and Services in Brief

FOOD DISTRIBUTION SERVICES provides nutritious food to our Pinellas County neighbors who need help stretching their grocery budget.

70,000 neighbors served annually; more than the seating capacity of Raymond James Stadium!
32,000 of these neighbors are senior citizens and children
Over 6 million lbs of food is distributed from our warehouse annually
We support nearly 100 other local food banks and pantries

HOUSING STABILITY SERVICES helps individuals and families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency.

We provide wrap-around programs and services to our residents that are conducive to self-sufficiency
Our programs include educational initiatives, financial literacy, workforce development, and life skill development
We provide comfortable, safe, affordable housing and support individuals and families
Participants sign a one year lease, and pay approximately 30% of their income in rent

ABUSE SERVICES provides safety, security and support for women and children facing domestic abuse.

The Outreach Center serves nearly 14,000 women and children annually
Our safe house shelters over 300 women and children each year
We provide a resource list for men needing assistance with domestic violence issues
Our hotline receives over 3,500 calls annually with requests for assistance in matters of domestic violence

BASIC NEEDS are met through a variety of collaborations and partnerships.

We provide indirect retail services through strategic partnerships throughout the community
Through these partnerships, we are able to provide more robust and conveniently located options for Hope Villages guests

THE EXPRESS CENTER provides ‘get it now’ services to meet the needs of the community.

Direct support is provided related to hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, and basic needs
Small meal ingredients and hygiene products are distributed, as available
Guests are connected to partner agencies for various needs via immediate referrals

Board of Directors