Our Mission

The residents themselves became very involved in helping the organization to better understand and develop its ability to love and assist the homeless as they entered the houses.

George felt the pain of his situation and that of others suffering on the streets. “I’ve been waiting three years for my section 8 housing certificate. Like others, I may die waiting,” and he did.

Shortly before his death in 2003, George Anderson was quoted by the press as saying, “I may be homeless, but I’m not hopeless.“ George felt the pain of his situation and that of others suffering on the streets. “I’ve been waiting three years for my section 8 housing certificate. Like others, I may die waiting,” - and he did. However, along with George’s despair, there was hopefulness which George said came from the loving arms of the people of faith who respected and welcomed the homeless into their churches at night.

Several years later, a small group of homeless and formerly homeless individuals met with Alan Burt, the coordinator of the Salvation Army Overnights of Hospitality Program which had sheltered George Anderson. These individuals became the co-founders of Homeless Not Hopeless Inc., an organization formed by and for the homeless. Although George had passed, the organization was named after his words. In this way, George and all the others who had died in homelessness would be remembered and honored.

The founders, Mark Halstead, MaryAnn Hakenson, Billy Bishop, Dianne Kaufman and Alan Burt shared the opinion that homeless individuals were the most important missing part in addressing homelessness. Their idea was simple and unique. They said, “The homeless, with a little assistance, have the ability to take care of themselves.” Rachel Carey-Harper encouraged them to dream big and guaranteed the resources to make it a reality.

The plan of this small group was to create a non-profit organization to provide a community-based approach to housing and helping the homeless. Towards this end, Billy Bishop and MaryAnn Halstead signed a lease on two houses in the village of Hyannis. In the early Fall of 2007, with a substantial donation from Rachel, a dozen men and women from the Salvation Army Overnights Program moved into the two rented residences that were named Elise and Faith House. Many local churches provided funds, furniture, and other support to help these houses get off the ground. It was a beautiful partnership between the homeless, churches, and the community.

Mark and MaryAnn lived on the premises to provide very loving and capable guidance and support to the residents. MaryAnn took charge of the administrative duties and business affairs which successfully launched HnH into a non-profit organization. Mark provided a kind and effective leadership in the house and in the community. Billy and Dianne provided considerable help as they were already live-in managers of “Hal House,” which was owned by Alan Burt, which was already providing the same vision and services. Their house was named after Hal who, like George, had died in the state of homelessness.

During the first year of operation, the residents became incredibly involved in helping the organization better understand and develop its ability to love and help the homeless. This challenged the typical program model where the residents were subordinate to the staff. Instead, these houses were about:

• the residents helping each other, and

• the organization to evolve and expand.

In a meaningful way, the residents were and continue to be co-founders of Homeless Not Hopeless Inc.

In becoming a non-profit organization, HnH added Dick Murphy to our Board who has, from the start, been our conscience and spiritual guide. Jennifer Dibble joined the Board and created the case management part of the program. Attorney Terance Noonan joined the Board and played a key role in helping to successfully enter and function in the professional world. And finally, Jennifer Smith was added to the Board providing a caring heart and sharp mind which was a great asset from the start. HnH started with a dream team of founding Board members. In their individual and collective ways, they built an amazing organization.

At this time, Billy Bishop assumed the role as President and live-in house manager. Alan Burt assumed the role as Executive Director. Dick Murphy became increasingly involved with the organization providing us with sound business and spiritual guidance. During the third year, new board member Janet Daly, who has been involved in affordable housing on the Cape for over a decade brought greater fiscal control as she assumed the business manager role for the organization. Janet’s corporate experience along with her heart felt commitment to the program has helped and blessed this program immeasurably.