On Sunday 15th November the headquarters of Hope for the Future ministries was destroyed by fire. This included the kitchen, the food storage warehouse, offices and the refrigerated van. Police say the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
Although the building was insured the value of the damage is likely to be substantialy more than the insurance value.
Arsonist Fails to Destroy Hope
There are no words to express our gratitude toward all those who rallied around us the days following the fire of Sunday November 15th. Our friends and supporters, both old & new are the very reason that we are still standing. You have truly been used as God's instruments and we thank Him daily for you.
When tragedy struck just weeks ago, we needed nothing short of a miracle to stay on target for the Thanksgiving holiday. There were so many people depending on us for turkeys and holiday groceries. Just the thought of disappointing them was difficult to accept. Many thanks to Lou & Roman, dear friends of the ministry, whose generous donation to Here's Life, afforded us plenty of Turkeys to go around. In addition, through the partnering of Long Island Cares, Island Harvest and the NYC Food Bank, each individual and family who came out for help, received help.
However, our biggest mountain is yet to be climbed. As we are able, we are returning to our regular weekly schedule. Our hope is to be able to go back to serving a complete, hot, nutricious meal as soon as possible. This can not be accomplished until we secure a building as a home-base. Thus far, all possible sites lack proper sewage hook-ups, offering storage and office space only. Being without a home-base has been the cause of much stress and heartache for those working in the ministry. As each day drags on another family goes hungry, another homeless person goes without a hot meal, a treasure when you are living on the streets. Our non-perishable food supply has begun to increase, helping us to get back on track. Many thanks to Vince, whose purchase of these pantry items from Feed The Children, has given us a jump start.
Under normal conditions our Christmas Holiday Outreach is a massive undertaking and this year will be particularly challenging. However, we are compelled and remain determined to keep our commitment of food and gift giving to the homeless, the elderly and especially the young children whose parents can not afford gifts for their kids.
YOU CAN HELP BY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
-
Give financially (We were under-insured at time of fire and are not covered for much of what must be replaced)
(On-line through PayPal gets your donation to us the quickest!) - ADOPT one child or homeless person with your gift of $30.00
- ADOPT a family of 4 with your gift of $120.00
- Conduct your own toy/gift drive (new only), in your place of business, neighborhood or school.
- Conduct your own food drive (non-perishable only)
- Donate you time (gift wrapping, pick-ups & drop-offs of donated items and errands to run)
Keep up with what is happening after the fire
This page will be updated regularly to let you know how the ministry is progressing after the fire.
12th July - Kitchen permits
At last with the kitchen permits cleared, work can soon begin on the kitchen. When the
kitchen is complete there will be the need to restock the warehouse so the team can
restart making the hot meals that were voted the best in New York.
Summer 2010 - Decorating begins
After a long period of clearing and rebuilding of the structure, at last work is begun on
decorating the warehouse. Any volunteers who can help with the decorating are asked
to call the office to find the best time to help.
18th February - Rebuild delayed by snow
Work started in December clearing the warehouse and kitchen. After all the time spent
on clearing the site, work has started on the building work, starting with a new roof.
Unfortunately the weather has slowed things down, with it being impossible to complete
the roof with the snow.
14th December - Practical help needed URGENTLY
After looking around at available warehouse space, we have been unable to find a location within budget that can
be used, as the building must have a sewer system suitable for a kitchen. Unless God suddenly shows us a new location we need
to start work restoring the old building.
To do this we are urgently looking for volunteers who can help with:
- Cleaning up of debris
- Kitchen installation (commercial experience preferred)
- Interior decorating
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
If you wish to volunteer please phone the office on:
(631) 752 5771
11th December - New letter from the ministry
A new letter has been sent out, updating people on what is happening, thanking everybody for their support, and more importantly letting us know what support is still required.
Click here to view letter
11th December - Thanksgiving, everybody got the help needed
In spite of the loss of so much in the fire, the support from Lou & Roman meant we had plenty of turkeys! Partnering with
Long Island Cares, Island Harvest and NYC Food Bank enabled us to support every family that came for help.
With thanksgiving over, thoughts are on the bigger challenge of supplying food and gifts for Christmas.
9th December - CNN News report added to site
News report by CNN's Susan Candiotti can now be viewed from the home page. Click on link view CNN news report.
20th November - Pastor Diane Dunne writes to supporters to thank them
Pastor Diane Dunne is overwhelmed by the response to the need an writes a letter to thank everyone for their support.
To view the letter click here.
20th November - New drop off point announced
Dr Higgins and Dimitri open up a new drop off pount.
To view details click here.
17th November - Drop off points opened
The good news is that although the building and contents were destroyed, the ministry lives on through the many people who have
offered their support in prayer, finances and practical gifts such as office space and replacement food.
For details on items needed and where to donate click here.
November 15th - Fire destroys the offices and whareouse
On Sunday 15th November the headquarters of Hope for the Future ministries was destroyed by fire. This included the kitchen,
the food storage warehouse, offices and the refrigerated van. Police say the fire appeared to be intentionally set.