Our Mission & Story
18 years of walking alongside our neighbors in their hardest moments.
We Started Because
No One Should Sleep Outside
In 2006, founder Maria Reyes watched a family shelter under an overpass near her home in downtown. She couldn't look away — and she hasn't stopped working since.
What began as a single warming center in a church basement has grown into a full-service organization serving over 800 individuals and families every year. We believe homelessness isn't a character flaw — it's a housing crisis, and every person experiencing it deserves dignity, stability, and a hand forward.
We work with families, single adults, veterans, and youth — meeting people where they are and walking alongside them for as long as it takes to find lasting housing and renewed hope.
Where Your Money Goes
We believe you deserve to know exactly how every dollar is put to work. Here's how we allocate contributions.
Every dollar possible goes directly to shelter, meals, case management, and housing navigation for those we serve.
Operational costs that keep our staff trained, our facilities safe, and our systems running effectively.
Outreach and donor relations that sustain long-term funding for our mission.
The People Behind the Mission
Our team brings decades of combined experience in social services, housing policy, and community care.
Maria Reyes
Founder & Executive DirectorMaria founded Harbor Hope in 2006 after witnessing the depth of homelessness in her own neighborhood, and has led the organization to serve thousands of families ever since.
James Okafor
Director of Housing ProgramsJames oversees all shelter and permanent housing initiatives, bringing 15 years of public housing expertise to every family's path toward stability.
Sofia Chen
Director of Case ManagementSofia leads our team of case managers, ensuring every individual receives a personalized, compassionate roadmap to lasting stability.
David Thornton
Director of DevelopmentDavid builds the partnerships and funding relationships that keep Harbor Hope's programs running strong year after year.
Priya Malhotra
Clinical & Wellness DirectorPriya leads health, mental health, and recovery programming with a whole-person philosophy that addresses the root causes of instability.
Carlos Rivera
Community Outreach DirectorCarlos connects Harbor Hope with neighbors, businesses, and faith communities to build the broad coalition needed to end homelessness.
Together We Go Further
We're proud to work alongside organizations, businesses, and foundations that share our commitment to ending homelessness.
Interested in partnering with us?
Contact Our Partnership TeamReady to Make a Difference?
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — your support matters.