A Story of Hope
I've been working with this organization for about four and a half years now. I've worked in two churches where we provided meals and clothes. It has been rewarding, and more importantly, fun.
When it became apparent that we were going to move into our own building and be opened more days, I was thrilled. I had this fantasy in my head that we've have a big living/dining room area. Kind of like a house. A comfortable house. I had this fantasy of people sitting down drinking coffee, chatting, and sharing stories. I'd walk around with a coffee pot topping off people's cups and showing them where they could get tea and hot chocolate.
That fantasy came true. We were opened in time for Christmas meal. It was a blast. Lots of happy noise and really good food. And, there I was walking around with a coffee pot greeting people. Fantasy fulfilled.
What I hadn't thought about in advanced is that the room would be set up with comfortable corners. Corners with comfy chairs and couches. I love those corners. I love people but sometimes I find them overwhelming. Sometimes I just want to sit quietly by myself. When I come to the HUB I know there are other people around but I also know I can just chill and relax by myself in one of those corners.
I work on Wednesday's – Women's Day. The corners get used. Sometimes a person will sit alone in an open corner looking like they really just want to be on their own. We leave them be. We'll point to food and coffee but just leave them be. At another corner or two there might be several people chilling, sharing stories or just enjoying each other's company.
At Women's Day we have meals and clothes. Also, we have adult coloring books, a mini nail salon and card games going on. I'm one of two people who bring their crochet and work while chatting.
I walk a lot. So, I see a lot of people. If I see someone that looks like they might be interested and look approachable, I'll stop and let them know what's happening. The place where they can relax. Recently, I've noticed when I start talking about it to people they say “Are you talking about the HUB?” That's so cool.
I'm high strung. I worry a lot. I can be irritating to others. But I notice that when I come to the HUB it calms me down a bit. My shoulders relax a bit. I've noticed that in others too. It might be their first visit. They might come in looking a little cautious. They may look tense like I do. But, like me, they keep coming back. After a while, I see a change. Like me, they may relax their shoulders a bit. Maybe smile a little easier. Maybe they just take a deep breath.
To me, the HUB is always that deep calming breath. A place to just breathe and enjoy. I love that. - S.S.
When it became apparent that we were going to move into our own building and be opened more days, I was thrilled. I had this fantasy in my head that we've have a big living/dining room area. Kind of like a house. A comfortable house. I had this fantasy of people sitting down drinking coffee, chatting, and sharing stories. I'd walk around with a coffee pot topping off people's cups and showing them where they could get tea and hot chocolate.
That fantasy came true. We were opened in time for Christmas meal. It was a blast. Lots of happy noise and really good food. And, there I was walking around with a coffee pot greeting people. Fantasy fulfilled.
What I hadn't thought about in advanced is that the room would be set up with comfortable corners. Corners with comfy chairs and couches. I love those corners. I love people but sometimes I find them overwhelming. Sometimes I just want to sit quietly by myself. When I come to the HUB I know there are other people around but I also know I can just chill and relax by myself in one of those corners.
I work on Wednesday's – Women's Day. The corners get used. Sometimes a person will sit alone in an open corner looking like they really just want to be on their own. We leave them be. We'll point to food and coffee but just leave them be. At another corner or two there might be several people chilling, sharing stories or just enjoying each other's company.
At Women's Day we have meals and clothes. Also, we have adult coloring books, a mini nail salon and card games going on. I'm one of two people who bring their crochet and work while chatting.
I walk a lot. So, I see a lot of people. If I see someone that looks like they might be interested and look approachable, I'll stop and let them know what's happening. The place where they can relax. Recently, I've noticed when I start talking about it to people they say “Are you talking about the HUB?” That's so cool.
I'm high strung. I worry a lot. I can be irritating to others. But I notice that when I come to the HUB it calms me down a bit. My shoulders relax a bit. I've noticed that in others too. It might be their first visit. They might come in looking a little cautious. They may look tense like I do. But, like me, they keep coming back. After a while, I see a change. Like me, they may relax their shoulders a bit. Maybe smile a little easier. Maybe they just take a deep breath.
To me, the HUB is always that deep calming breath. A place to just breathe and enjoy. I love that. - S.S.
Hope Looks Different From Every Side
The H.U.B. is shaped by the people who walk through its doors, the people who serve, and the partners who choose to work together. Every perspective adds another chapter to the story.
Guest
Stories
Volunteer Stories
Partner
Stories
Stories of belonging, dignity, connection, and next steps.
Stories about service, relationships, and
discovering purpose.
discovering purpose.
Stories about collaboration and what becomes possible when organizations work together.
Finding Hope
I Found a Sense of belonging...
Before coming to the H.U.B., one guest described facing "everything." Today, that same person says they have found a sense of belonging. They encourage others to come and see for themselves because everyone can be welcomed, supported, and connected to resources. Sometimes the greatest change isn't solving every problem overnight - it's discovering you no longer have to face them alone. - J.G.
Now I have something to look forward to...
One guest shared that before finding the H.U.B., they were struggling with housing instability and depression. What surprised them most wasn't just the resources - t was having something to look forward to each week. The friendships, encouragement, and welcoming community gave them renewed purpose and reminded them they weren't walking through life by themselves. - K.P.
People are connecting and seeing they are not alone.
A community member shared that before the H.U.B. existed, there wasn't a place where people could simply gather, connect, and know they weren't alone in their struggles. Today they see neighbors building relationships, supporting one another, and finding a community where they feel heard, seen, and valued. -Anonymous Member
Hope Changes the People Who Serve, Too.
Volunteers often arrive hoping to give something away - their time, skills, or compassion. Many discover that the relationships they build give something back to them as well.
I just have to be me...
Volunteering at the H.U.B. changed the way I see myself. I realized I don't need extraordinary talents or special gifts to make a difference. Simply showing up, spending time with people, listening, and being myself can become a blessing to someone else. That perspective has made me grateful for the opportunity to serve and reminded me that relationships are often the greatest gift we can offer. - L.G.
To me, the h.u.b. is that deep calming breath...
One long-time volunteer dreamed of creating a place where people could simply sit with a cup of coffee, talk, relax, and feel at home. Today, they watch guests quietly settle into comfortable spaces, build friendships, and slowly begin to trust the community around them. They describe the H.U.B. as "a place to breathe"—not only for guests, but for volunteers as well. - S.S.
The things i enjoy became a way to help others belong...
One volunteer discovered that the hobbies they already loved - making crafts, coloring, and playing games—could become powerful ways to help people feel welcome. Those simple activities create conversations, laughter, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Sometimes hope begins with something as ordinary as sitting around a table together. - L.C.
When Organizations Choose to Work Together
I get to use my experiences to help make sure no one in our community feels invisible...
For more than 15 years, one community partner has worked alongside individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. Today, they bring clients to the H.U.B. not only to work on housing, benefits, and other goals, but to experience something equally important - belonging. They have watched women who were once strangers begin talking, laughing, playing games, and slowly building trust with one another. They have seen tears, laughter, and hope grow through simple conversations and genuine relationships. This story is deeply personal. Before becoming a provider, they experienced homelessness for more than ten years, navigated their own mental health journey, and have now celebrated 22 years in recovery. Looking back, they remember a time when a place like the H.U.B. didn't exist. Today, they describe it this way: "I get to use my experiences to help make sure no one in our community feels invisible." - C.O.
Watch Hope in Motion.
Explore short videos, reflections, and moments from the H.U.B. and the Micah Mission community.
Your Story Matters, Too.
Maybe you found help at the H.U.B. Maybe you volunteer, partner, give, or simply experienced a moment that reminded you hope is still possible. We’d love to hear what the H.U.B. has meant to you.
Every Story Begins Somewhere.
Whether you’re looking for hope, ready to serve, or wanting to help make the next story possible, there is a place for you here.