HOPE's Emergency Network System (HENS)

The Need:

• In almost all 50 states, senior citizens' income is unable to sufficiently cover the cost of living. 

• According to a study done by Fidelity Investments, an average baby boomer's necessary retirement income will exceed actual income by a shocking 44%. 

• In May of this year, 2,174,900 Americans over the age of 65 received some form of Supplemental Security Income, according to the Social Security Administration.

• The American Psychological Association states that "It is estimated that over 40 million people in America have some level of disability, and many of these individuals live in poverty."

• Medical issues can have a huge impact on homelessness. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, 62% of personal bankruptcies filed in 2007 were caused by medical debt.

These issues can leave households facing a great deal of financial difficulty. The Central Florida area is not a stranger to these problems, and HOPE strives to assist those in our community through these tough situations.

How HENS Helps:
The HENS program provides outreach to those who are elderly, disabled, or suffering from medical issues, and are on a fixed income, home-bound, and unable to access HOPE’s services in-house. Those who meet the criteria of the program receive weekly visits from volunteers. Assistance can include food, the provision of funds, basic repair services, transportation, and other solutions specific to a client's needs. 

A volunteer delivering food to a HOPE client

If you think you or someone you know may benefit from HENS services, call 321-765-4984 or email resources@hopehelps.org to speak with a case manager. More information about HOPE's various resources can be found at www.hopehelps.org.

If interested in volunteering with the HENS program, contact volunteer@hopehelps.org for more information.