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