New “Mommy & Me” Cottage Opens at Place of Hope in Stuart, Florida
Stuart, Florida — Place of Hope, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to serving at-risk children and families, has officially unveiled its latest initiative: a “Mommy & Me” cottage located on its Stuart campus. This new facility is set to provide housing for two families as they work towards rebuilding their lives, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to offering a supportive environment for vulnerable populations.
The cottage is a key component of Place of Hope’s Villages of Hope program, which focuses on offering affordable housing coupled with a wide array of supportive services. This innovative program is tailored to assist single mothers, aged-out foster children, homeless youth, and survivors of human trafficking. By providing not just shelter but also resources aimed at long-term stability, Villages of Hope addresses a critical need within the community.
Victorious Hawthorn-Charles, a current resident of the Villages of Hope and a single mother to a three-year-old, shares her optimistic outlook on the program’s impact. “They’re going to walk away with strength and confidence that they can move forward in life,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey since joining the program last October. Hawthorn-Charles previously faced significant financial strain, revealing that over 70% of her income was consumed by rent, leaving little for essential needs.
However, since relocating to one of Place of Hope’s affordable units, she has begun to experience a transformative change in her life. “They plugged me in. I like to say they provided a plethora of resources. They helped me with my budget. They also provide therapy,” she explained, highlighting the comprehensive support services available to residents.
In addition to the new cottage, construction is also underway for an additional 64 housing units on the same campus. These units are designed to accommodate more families in need of support, with residents permitted a one-year stay that can be extended based on their circumstances and the availability of resources.
Charles Bender, the founding CEO of Place of Hope, noted, “There are a lot of people who need this level of housing, but with the supports that come with it.” His comments underscore the essential role such programs play in fostering stability and security for families who have faced various challenges.
For Hawthorn-Charles, the Villages of Hope program represents not just relief from immediate shelter needs, but also a potential pathway toward long-term stability. “Because of that relief from them and allowing me to save more, I’m able to save more even for a house,” she stated, illustrating the program’s broader impact on the community.
As Place of Hope continues to expand its reach and resources, it remains a beacon of hope for many families striving to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
