Project HOPE of Eastern Connecticut

08/27/2026

August is National Make a Will Month—a time to think about the people, causes, and community you want to support for generations to come.

Creating or updating your will is an important step in planning for the future. It can also be an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by including a charitable gift to an organization you care about.

A gift to Project Hope of Eastern CT can help support our mission and the people in our community who rely on our programs and services.

Consider making a difference that lasts. Talk with your loved ones, consult your professional advisor, and explore how you can include the causes you care about in your plans.

07/31/2026

🎃👟 Frightfully Fun: Run for HOPE This October! 👟🎃
Lace up your running shoes and join Project HOPE for our first-ever All Hallows Eve 5K Run through the streets of Hampton on Saturday, October 17!
👻 Come dressed in your favorite costume.
🍬 Don't forget your trick-or-treat bag—there will be a candy stop midway through the course!
🏃 Registration is limited to just 250 runners, so don't wait!
Every step you take helps support Project HOPE's programs and services for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
📅 Registration opens soon. Stay tuned for more information.
🎉 Become an Event Sponsor!
We're looking for local businesses and organizations to partner with us and help make this exciting new community event a success. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact us to learn more.

07/30/2026

Summer is upon us. Here are the items we need at this steamy time of year. Donations can be dropped off at the 433 Valley Street location anytime.

Household: Disinfectant wipes | Disinfectant spray | Hand soap | Tissues | Cleaning products and supplies | Trash bags (all sizes) | Paper towels | Toilet Paper
Hygiene: Deodorant | Shampoo | Conditioner | Soap | Lotion | Razors | First Aid supplies | Nail clippers | Tweezers | Combs and brushes
Miscellaneous: Ear buds / headphones | Ear plugs | Laundry detergent | Rain gear | Gift cards | Wash Cloths | Flip Flops | Summer hats | Sunscreen | Insect repellant

07/30/2026

At Project HOPE, we believe that learning, collaboration, and innovation are essential to ending homelessness. In May, seven members of our team joined more than 600 leaders, partners, frontline workers, legislators, municipal officials, and advocates in Hartford for the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness' 23rd Annual Training Institute, a statewide conference.

The day-long conference featured expert-led workshops, meaningful conversations, and nationally recognized speakers sharing insights on many of the challenges and opportunities facing those working in homeless services. Our team returned energized, inspired, and equipped with new ideas to strengthen the support we provide to our guests and neighbors.

We are especially proud to celebrate our own George Mele, Project HOPE’s Outreach Specialist, who received CCEH’s Exceptional Frontline Leadership Award for the Eastern Region. This recognition honors George’s dedication, compassion, and creativity in serving people experiencing homelessness. His leadership reflects the commitment and heart of our entire team — and we are so proud of him!

07/14/2026

This spring, Project HOPE took an exciting step forward when we opened our new administration building at 459 Valley Street, next door to the shelter. The renovated space includes staff offices, a conference room, and a dedicated resource room to support adults experiencing homelessness in our community.

Our shelter building has also gotten a fresh new look. The brick exterior was recently painted blue to complement the siding. We are incredibly grateful to our local Willimantic Sherwin-Williams store for donating $5,000 in paint and supplies, and to George Palmas of Palmas Pro Paint for his work bringing this project to life.

Soon, the brick surfaces at 459 Valley will receive the same update, creating a cohesive campus feel across both buildings. We have also added a storage shed behind the administration building that will provide secure lockers for people living unsheltered in our community.

We are still accepting donations to help cover the cost of the shed and technology for the resource room. If you would like to learn more about supporting these projects, please contact Executive Director Avery Lenhart.

07/14/2026

Volunteers have always been at the heart of Project HOPE. Since our founding in 2003, this organization has grown from a grassroots community effort powered by the dedication of neighbors helping neighbors. Now, with our new campus in place, we are excited to welcome volunteers back into our daily work and build a renewed community of support. We are looking for people who want to make a difference by sharing their time, skills, and compassion with our guests and neighbors.

Volunteers have always been at the heart of Project HOPE. Since our founding in 2003, this organization has grown from a grassroots community effort powered by the dedication of neighbors helping neighbors. Now, with our new campus in place, we are excited to welcome volunteers back into our daily w...

07/14/2026

We're so proud to have been featured in the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut's 2025 annual report. You'll find the profile on page 5.

07/09/2026

Join us in celebrating the arrival of Avery, the visionary Executive Director, and her dedicated Team from Project HOPE of Eastern Connecticut to our Chamber (formerly Windham Region No Freeze Project), where lives are transformed through Compassionate Housing & Homeless Services! 🌟 For more information, reach out directly to Avery through their website, projecthopeect.org and be a part of creating a brighter tomorrow! 💫

07/08/2026

With our new campus completed, we are excited to welcome volunteers back into our daily work and build a renewed community of support. Want to make a difference by sharing your time, skills, and compassion with our guests and neighbors?

Join us for one of our upcoming volunteer information sessions:
Monday, July 13
9:30–11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, July 14
7:00–8:30 p.m.

Please complete our volunteer interest form before attending an information session: https://forms.gle/sFkbcWS7pUchztxP6

A variety of volunteerism and shifts are available. Whether it's once a week, once a month, or on a special project, there is a place for you at Project HOPE. We look forward to welcoming you to the Project HOPE family!

05/11/2026

Talking about homelessness and the hardships some people face can feel difficult, especially with kids. But these are important conversations as we raise the next generation of empathetic humans. ❤️

Books can be a gentle, meaningful way to start those discussions. One example is A Place for Us by James E. Ransome. Told entirely through watercolor illustrations, the story follows a mother and son through an ordinary day: school, a trip to the library, everyday moments — before revealing the uncertainty they face each night as they search for a safe place to sleep.

Stories like this can help children build compassion, understanding, and awareness for all ages. Borrow it from your local library today: (shout out to two great ones, Willimantic Public Library and Mansfield Public Library.)