I’ve always had a place to go — a warm bed, a roof over my head, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing I have shelter. I know how fortunate I am. But as I reflect on the past 10 years, I am reminded of the many women and children in our community who do not share that sense of security. For them, a safe place to sleep at night is a luxury, not a given.

This October, Wilmington Hope House, an emergency overnight shelter for women and their accompanying children, celebrates its 10th year of serving hundreds of women and children—those who face the harsh reality of homelessness. Since its founding, Hope House has provided not only a temporary solution but a source of stability, dignity, and hope for those in desperate need.

Each night at Hope House the doors open to women and children who, without this refuge, might not have anywhere else to turn. Inside, they are met with a meal to share, a hot shower, clean pajamas, and—most importantly—a sense of safety. Beyond meeting these basic needs, Hope House offers something more powerful: the chance to rebuild self-respect and human dignity.

Over the years, the overnight shelter has grown and evolved. Under new leadership, the team now includes Karla Barker, executive director; Stephanie Tharp, administrative assistant; and Shawnika Seitz, house manager; with operations run by a dedicated group of volunteers. These volunteers (hostesses) are the heartbeat of Hope House. They welcome guests with compassion each evening, launder linens each morning, prepare to-go lunches, and even assist with healthcare concerns or finding jobs and housing. In the face of adversity, these volunteers provide hope.

To commemorate this decade of vital work, Wilmington Hope House will host a fundraising event, featuring Take 3. This trio of women “bring the refinement of a rigorous classical music background and infuse it with rock-star charisma.” – From Bach to Rock! The concert celebration takes place at The Murphy Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. All tickets to the event are $25 and may be purchased online at: www.themurphytheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 937-382-3643.

As we celebrate this anniversary, the need for places like Hope House remains pressing. Homelessness is a growing challenge, particularly for women and children. Without resources like this, many would be left to fend for themselves, often in unsafe or unstable situations. Wilmington Hope House offers not just temporary relief, but a pathway to a better future.

The event on Oct. 26 is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward critical renovations, including improvements to the outdoor deck, which serves as the entry point for guests each night. Plans also include installing a retractable awning to protect guests from the elements. Additionally, funds will support ongoing repairs and the purchase of much-needed household items to maintain the shelter’s operations.

This milestone is a time to reflect on the lives that have been changed over the past decade—the women who have found safety, their children who have experienced stability, and the volunteers who have been the hands and feet of this mission. It’s also a reminder that the work is far from over. Homelessness is not an issue that will go away, but together, we can continue to be part of the solution.

As someone who has always had a place to call home, I am deeply grateful for organizations like Hope House. They remind me of the importance of compassion, of giving, and of coming together as a community to uplift people who are struggling. I invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and supporting the future of Wilmington Hope House.

For information about sponsorship opportunities or how you can support Wilmington Hope House, please contact Karla Barker at 937-366-1123 or [email protected]

Let’s continue to offer hope to those who need it most. Because everyone deserves a safe place to lay their head.

Mary Alexander is a Wilmington resident and board president of the Wilmington Hope House.