House of Hope offers summer relief to those in need

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Most of us think of Branson’s House of Hope as a warming center for those in need of shelter during the winter months. However, the organization meets a huge need during the summer as well.

On the hottest days of the year, House of Hope operates as a Cooling Center, giving people a chance to beat the heat.

As of press time, the Cooling Center has been open 18 days and counting. It is projected that, by the end of the week, the House of Hope Cooling Center will have been open a total of 23 days, with at least seven of those days having temperatures in the triple digits.

“In order to open the Cooling Center, the temperature has to reach 95 degrees or higher at some point during the day,” explained House of Hope’s Alex Sprinkle. “The Cooling Center opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Guests are offered breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. We have Powerade, Propel and water readily available to ensure they are hydrated. While at the Center, guests are welcome to shower and wash their laundry. These services are offered year round, but many are able to take advantage of them due to the increased amount of time at the facility. In addition to engaging in services, guests are able to watch TV, hang out and build community.”

Recent storms also brought individuals to the Cooling Center. Said Sprinkle, “The storms that swept through just weeks ago caused many residents in Taney County to lose power. With temperatures soaring into the nineties, a lack of electricity posed a serious threat to the wellbeing of residents in our community. In an effort to provide aid, House of Hope delivered water to the health departments. Additionally, the Cooling Center was open for individuals needing a break from the heat, a place to do laundry, or a shower.”

House of Hope operates as a warming center during the coldest nights and a warming center on the hottest days, but serves as an advocacy office throughout the year, providing individualized service to clients.

“We have several different resources available to clients who visit,” said Sprinkle. “Individuals have access to showers and laundry facilities. In addition, they can receive mail here, utilize the computers, receive snack bags and find clothing. Each individual’s situation is unique and presents different opportunities for us to assist. Some of our greatest priorities include connecting individuals to mental health services, sober living facilities, and community support.”

Sprinkle noted that, while the warming center was open for business last winter, the required construction continues—and is nearly completed.

“We are in the final stages of the project,” Sprinkle noted. “Once all work is approved, we will meet the required standards to hold our special use permit. This is truly something to celebrate.”

“We are so thankful for the community support,” continued Sprinkle. “TheHouse of Hope continues to be a safe place for individuals who are struggling to come because of the generosity of business owners, volunteers, nonprofit partners, churches and friends. We are grateful for everyone who places a critical role in loving our community.”

House of Hope fundraiser set

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The biggest annual fundraiser for House of Hope is coming soon.

Save the date for the second annual House of Hope Classic Golf tournament, set for October.

The tournament is a four-man scramble, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The day’s activities include prizes for the winners and a silent auction. A delicious dinner follows the tournament. If you would like to register a team for the tournament, please reach out to Hopehousebranson@gmail. com.

Four levels of sponsorship are available for the tournament, including Event Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsor and Bronze Sponsor. Sponsorships range from $250 to $2,500. For more information on sponsorships, contact Hopehousebranson@gmail.com or call 417544-0162.

The House of Hope Classic is set for Saturday, October 7, at the Branson Hills Golf Club.