Homelessness

Life can change in a blink of an eye.

A sudden catastrophic event, or a small, unexpected incident, can dramatically change your living conditions in unthinkable ways. Unemployment, natural disasters, illness, lack of affordable housing, and the collapse of family or social connections are just a few of the
reasons why people fall into homelessness.

Our vision has been, and will always be, to assist those who are willing to help themselves. We emphasize the love of Jesus Christ in all of our journeys. In the years to come, we’d like to better provide for those individuals who want to make progress in their lives
by cultivating community relationships, collaborating with community partners, expanding available services, and engaging with our volunteers in more effective ways.

We know that trying to find a shelter in times of an emergency can be overwhelming.
The House of Hope is here to help.

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Board of Directors

Jackie Rochford

President

“Helping people going through difficult times has been my life’s work. In my career with adults studying to earn their GED certificate, I became acutely aware of how life can become difficult quickly when, for one reason or another, people lost the place in which they were
living. A safe, caring place to go each day where people’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs are addressed is vital. When asked to serve on the board a year ago, I was delighted to offer my skills to serve an organization like the House of Hope who provides such a vital service to those most in need in the Danville area.”

Rev. Ryan Busby

Vice President

“Our region is a better place whenever we work for abundance and thriving for our most vulnerable populations. House of Hope certainly is a key partner in that work as it serves our homeless community members. I am honored to serve on the board and be a part of the holistic care that is provided to our clients and the larger community.”

Carlotta Deering

Treasurer

“I have always wanted to give back to the community. I was asked to join the House of Hope as the Board’s Treasurer. This was my blessing from God to serve my community. I enjoy working on the Board with such a great group of people who share my Christian values. As Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) states, “Do not neglect to do good and to share why you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Eddie Dees

Secretary

“I attended an organizational meeting many years ago for the House of Hope because I knew then that our community needed a safe, faith-based shelter for those in need. I was approached by a Board member about filling a vacancy that required keeping accurate Meeting Minutes. The opportunity was the perfect way to combine my belief in the House of Hope’s mission and my personal skills.”

Wayne Atkins

“I have helped the House of Hope with donations from God’s Pit Crew. I was approached by a Board member to fill a vacancy. I have several
years of construction experience. This is a great opportunity to keep
helping the House of Hope for many years to come. I thank the Board
members for giving me this opportunity.”

Crystal Furches

“Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services has been providing an array of services to support individuals in our community for 50 years. As a Supportive Housing Coordinator I have direct experience working with individuals with behavioral health diagnoses that have significant housing issues. Helping homeless people establish and maintain stable housing is more than a challenging job; it’s a passion. I am excited to see what the future holds for the House of Hope and the Danville community.”

Cindy Jefferson

“My passion for service led me to accept an invitation to serve on the House of Hope Board. Assisting in the financial oversight fits well with my accounting career. It is a privilege to serve alongside a great team of individuals who work to improve the lives of those less fortunate in our community. Together we can make a difference.”

Tess Moss

“I have worked in several positions with Danville Social Services over the past 30 years which has given me the opportunity to be involved with our community. The past few years have given me the chance to work with the residents, as well as the staff, at the House of Hope to coordinate services for those in need. I found these moments to be a positive experience. When the Social Services position opened on the Board, I was asked to fill that position and was honored to do so. It is a rewarding experience to know that the House of Hope is changing lives.”

Michael Simmons, Esquire

“I have a passion for serving, and as a Virginia Legal Aid attorney, I serve the community through legal services. I wanted to serve as a House of Hope Board member to continue being involved with the community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the community as a House of Hope Board Member. I have benefited from the experience gained as a Board member and I hope that I can help provide positive change in the community as a result of this service.”

Chasta White

“I work as a Housing and Redevelopment Specialist for the City of Danville. I realize that although I work in housing, everyone is a bad day away from being homeless and those that are temporarily
experiencing homelessness deserve safety, care and unjudged help in more ways than just monetary.”

Connie Fletcher Whitlow

“As a clinical psychologist in practice for many years, and as former Director of Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, I am keenly aware of the needs of our homeless population. When given the opportunity to serve on the Board, I was delighted.”

Dr. Billy Wooten

“I served for years on a Board for an organization that serves women facing domestic abuse, sexual assault, and homelessness. That was perhaps the most rewarding work I have ever encountered, so I have
made a commitment to continue serving at-risk populations wherever I am. I am the type of Board member who likes to roll his sleeves up and work in the trenches to improve the lives of our neighbors.”