Our Mission
H.O.P.E. Inc. strives to serve as an access point for low-income, at-risk individuals. We meet people where they are and provide assistance and resources to improve their health, safety and well-being. We believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion without prejudice.
Our History
Help and Outreach Point of Entry (H.O.P.E.) Inc. in Salisbury, Maryland, was founded by Donna Clark in 1997 under the umbrella of Salisbury Urban Ministries with a mission to serve the most vulnerable members of the community by providing critical resources, advocacy, and support. Established as a response to the growing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship, H.O.P.E. began as a grassroots initiative aimed at offering immediate assistance to those in crisis. H.O.P.E. has been operating out of the basement of Wicomico Presbyterian Church since 2008. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital organization dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and connecting people with essential services.
From its early days, H.O.P.E. has been a beacon of hope for those in need, offering practical assistance such as light case management, referrals to housing and healthcare services, and financial support for essential documents like IDs and birth certificates. Recognizing the importance of oral health in overall well-being, H.O.P.E. also established a dental assistance program to help uninsured and underinsured individuals access critical dental care. These efforts have helped countless people regain stability, improve their health, and take steps toward self-sufficiency.
H.O.P.E. operates with a small but dedicated team, relying on grants, donations, and community partnerships to sustain its programs. In recent years, the organization has expanded its impact by partnering with local healthcare providers, recovery programs, and government agencies to offer more comprehensive services. Whether assisting with re-entry from incarceration, supporting those in recovery, or providing emergency aid, H.O.P.E. continues to serve as a lifeline for many in the Lower Three Counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its history is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to empowering those in need.
H.O.P.E in the News
2025
Big question looms over library branch move: How will it impact homeless population?
2024
Local outreach group helps homeless individuals obtain State ID
2023
Community Foundation Women’s Fund Awards $65,000 to Local Nonprofits
$273,825 Granted to 33 Lower Shore Nonprofits
2021
H.O.P.E. on DelmarvaLife – April 26TH
Help and Outreach Point of Entry (H.O.P.E.) Lunch Returns, Covid Vaccinations Available on June 1st
2020
HOPE works to help those in need break through barriers
REALTORS Award $6,000 to Local Charities
Help and Outreach Point of Entry (H.O.P.E.) Says THANK YOU!
Stories from the Basement – Help and Outreach Point of Entry, Inc. (H.O.P.E.)
2017
SU students help community organizations raise nearly $40,000
2016
Charity provides bikes for homeless, unites community
Wicomico Public Libraries Dedicates The Michael H. Lewis Little Free Library
2015
Community Foundation’s Help Your Neighbor Fund Support Emergency Shelter Project
SU awarded $40K for early intervention program
Pie a Person Fundraiser to Support Help Health and Outreach Point of Entry April 30
2014