Broker Check

Home Start Hope

Vision

Vision

"To be a leader in restoring hope, rebuilding self-esteem and empowering women on their journey to self-sufficiency."

Home Start Hope is a 100 percent volunteer run organization that supports women and children in their transition from homelessness to independent living. They serve women who have experienced homelessness including veterans, women recovering from addiction and survivors of domestic violence. Providing access to brand new, essential household items free of charge in a personal shopping experience, they restore hope and self-confidence and build a community where more women can thrive.

Women choose everything they need to start over in their new home completely free of charge. It may seem like a small thing,
picking out towels or bedding, but for women who are starting over, it’s so much more than that. 

It’s about a new beginning, a sense of ownership and sense of hope for a brighter future. When they feel settled at home, they can focus on their families. Since 2010, Home Start Hope has met the needs of more than 600 women and children. 

Learn more
<span>Kristin Mathis</span>

Kristin Mathis

CEO and Founder Kristin Mathis started Home Start Hope as a passion project and has turned it into an organization that has helped more than 350 women and more than 250 children locally since 2010. Her vision, determination, and integrity have established a foundation for success, supported almost entirely by a board and committee of volunteers in the Rochester community. While there's a serious side to her drive for this organization in trying to ease the financial burdens of the women and children Home Start Hope supports, she also says "We are part of a happy ending... and that's fun!" It is through her hard work and leadership that we can see Home Start Hope continuing to take on new partners in the next five years and providing hope to a steady stream of families.

“Something I really like to talk about with people is the dignity piece. How it’s not about the stuff, while it’s important and necessary, it’s so much more than that. After going through an unimaginably difficult time, being so worn down and worn out, they can come to us and have some fun shopping. It’s clean, bright and pretty. They have choices for a change! The volunteers are friendly and welcoming. It obviously relieves a great deal of financial burden and stress. They come in a little nervous and not sure what to expect but they leave laughing and excited. The best part is watching them loosen up and have fun.”

– Kristin Mathis, President/CEO

Client Centered

Client Centered

Home Start Hope is a house in the city where women select brand new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom essentials. Women choose everything they need to start over in their new home completely free of charge. It may seem like a small thing, picking out towels or bedding, but for women who are starting over, it’s so much more than that. It’s about a new beginning, a sense of ownership and sense of HOPE for a brighter future. When they feel settled at home, they can focus on their families

<br data-mce-bogus="1">


Two of our favorite things: restock days & getting the youth involved with Home Start Hope! Looking to get your kids involved in a meaningful way this summer break? Reach out and join us for a shopping trip or client pick up. We’d love to have them!

How it works

Community Partners refer women once they are ready to transition into independent housing. Together they complete the application and schedule an appointment to visit Home Start Hope. Home Start Hope volunteers help them select all they need for their new home.

Ways You Can Help

What could you do today that would change a woman’s life here in Rochester?


  • Get involved as a volunteer or Board
    member
  • Organize a donation drive
  • Stock our shelves by shopping our
  • Target registry or donating gift
    cards
  • Attend, sponsor, or donate items for
    our fundraisers
  • Make a monetary donation


Whether you give household items, money, or your talent, you are helping neighbors in need move forward in their lives. Home Start Hope is a 100% volunteer run organization that relies on donations. Your generosity makes it possible for them to continue this unique service.

For More Info

Webster, NY 14580
(585) 506-5003
HomeStartHope.org


Home Start Hope is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Fed Tax Id # 27-4295948

Have a Question?

Thank you!
Oops!