Supporting the individuals, families, small businesses, and neighborhoods of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Service Program Partnerships
The architectural services are provided by Hope’s in-house partner, the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, a permanent installation of Mississippi State University’s School of Architecture.
The National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies works side-by-side with Hope to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach services to the large Vietnamese population in the neighborhood
Hope also works with local grassroots partners, such as Coastal Women for Change and the MS Gulf Coast-wide Steps Coalition, on specific outreach and advocacy campaigns.
Project Funding Partnerships
Hope has established strong relationships with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Church World Service, the AARP , the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and others to fund rebuilding projects. Due to the great number of residents in need, many of these funding have dried up and are no longer available for homeowners or the non-profit organizations working on the Gulf Coast. However, funds are still needed to assist homeowners who have yet been unable to return home.
Volunteer Workforce Partnerships
Volunteers currently provide the lion’s share of labor in rebuilding projects, and volunteer networks, both secular and faith-based, recruit and support groups of volunteers on a national basis. Hopeforce International and Compassion First are two of Hope’s primary partners in this regard, both housed in space provided by Hope. Other organizations working closely with Hope include HandsOn Gulf Coast, Habitat for Humanity, Back Bay Mission – all of whom have established permanent local installations since the storm.
Organizational Development Partnerships
Architecture for Humanity (“AfH”) was instrumental in the initial fundraising for Hope, lending its international reputation and name recognition to secure a significant investment from Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network. AfH continues to be a strategic partner in fundraising, and Oprah’s Angels Network has been a vital part of Hope’s growth.
Organizations such as NeighborWorks, OxFam America, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (“LISC”), and NAVASA also provide technical assistance and resources in the effort to solidify Hope’s development of new affordable housing.
Closer to home, Hope partnered with the four State-sponsored Coastal county Housing Resource Centers to form the Housing Resource Center Association. Together, this coalition seeks to maximize their effectiveness through State and Federal advocacy for the region’s affordable housing needs.
