HELP, Inc. (Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings & Provisions)

HELP, Inc. is a faith-based organization supported by member congregations, schools, businesses, civic clubs and organizations in conjunction with the cities of Hampton and Newport  News.  Working together, we provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, a winter shelter program, food, financial assistance, medical and dental care to those in need.

Founded in 1982 by eleven charter member congregations, HELP has grown to include over 60 congregations in the City of Hampton and Newport News. Together we have made a difference for thousands of people in our community.

Volunteers, individually and from partner churches, make up the majority of the HELP workforce. They supply meals at the HELP day center, organize and distribute donations at the HELP food pantry, and come together in force to host HELP’s annual winter shelter program, “A Night’s Welcome”. HELP volunteers work alongside the staff to ensure that all aspects of the HELP mission are furthered for our neighbors in need.

In May 2001, the Dr. Richard F. Clark HELP Clinic opened its doors.  Dr. Richard Clark, a local pathologist, saw the need for a medical clinic to serve the uninsured in our community. Through his relationships at Sentara, the clinic first opened for services at the Hampton Health Department.  The Health Department allowed the HELP Clinic to open two evenings per week. 

Over the years, invaluable partnerships have been formed and maintained in support of the clinic and the patients we serve. The clinic is a member of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. We receive state budgeted-funds because of our membership. The clinic is home to over 250 patients. Each year we provide over $400,000 in medical services and medication to those patients.

Through collaboration, commitment, and faith, the HELP organization has grown to serve the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, and to change lives for the better, one person at a time.