About us
Shelter History:
The City of Vista, recognizing the growing and complex problem of homelessness, wrote an article for local newspapers asking for help from individuals, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies in finding ways to address this issue. A collaborative group of community representatives responded and began the process of working with the City to address the dilemma of homelessness.
Operation H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) evolved out of these early meetings in 2003. In its first year of existence, hotel/motel vouchers were issued as the primary assistance available to homeless families. By the second winter an actual structure was found in which families were given shelter. It was commissioned by the Vista City Council to provide emergency winter shelter to families living in Vista and the surrounding area. In 2006 the organization moved to its current site, a very modest structure centrally located in Vista, providing services from December through March. In the years since it began, programs and processes have evolved to help resident families regain confidence and independence.
The shelter is maintained as a collaborative effort of the City of Vista, other government agencies, social service agencies, the faith community, organizations, and individual volunteers. It is a 501 3(c) organization and an active member of the Alliance for Regional Solutions.
Shelter Management: Our “Team H.O.P.E.”
The CEO, Shelter Manager, and the Program and Education Coordinator oversee the day-to-day operation of the shelter. These are the only paid staff positions for the organization.
A Steering Committee composed of representatives from government, social service agencies, and churches meets at the shelter usually twice a month during the shelter season and monthly during warm weather. This group serves to provide leadership for day-to-day operation, problem solving, planning, and support for fundraising.
The Board of Directors is responsible for broader concerns of the organization including the mission statement and vision, allocation of resources, evaluation of staff, and policy development, as well as program evaluation and improvement.The shelter could not operate without the myriad of Supporting Organizations and concerned individuals that prepare and serve countless meals, teach, play with children, and generally support our residents and programs.
Board of Directors:
Casey Yorman, President, Board of Directors
Community Service Pastor
North Coast churchSharon Hall, Vice-President
United Methodist Church, VistaGary Lamb, Board Treasurer
United Methodist Church, VistaJean Cole, CEO, Operation HOPE
United Methodist Church, VistaRev. Lynne Austin
United Methodist ChurchMirza Beg
Muslim CongregationPhil Damon
Grace Presbyterian, VistaLinda Fox
Diaconal Minister, First Lutheran Church, VistaPaul Hatch
LDS Stake President, OceansidePastor Dave Hommel
Calvary Chapel, VistaPastor Rich Walters
New Community Church of Vista
Supporting Organizations:
Army and Navy Academy
Bahai Faith
B'Nai Shalom
Calvary Chapel – Vista
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – Vista
Cities of Vista and San Marcos
Community of Christ Church
First Lutheran Church of Vista
Grace Presbyterian Church – Vista
Hope Church of the Nazarene– Vista
King of Kings Lutheran Church - Oceanside
Lifeway Church
Lighthouse Church
Masjid-Al Ittehad Mosque
MiraCosta Service Training Center
New Community Church - Vista
North Coast Church - Vista
North County Lifeline
Palomar Unitarian
St. Francis Catholic Church - Oceanside
St. Vincent de Paul
Soroptimist International
United Methodist Church of Vista
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