Carrying the Torch through Memphis: Hope House
For three decades, Hope House has been a beacon of light for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty in Memphis. By offering child care, social services, food, and more, the nonprofit aims to improve current quality of life and be a catalyst for life-long change for those benefitting from its programs.
For three decades, Hope House has been a beacon of light for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty in Memphis. By offering child care, social services, food, and more, the nonprofit aims to improve current quality of life and be a catalyst for life-long change for those benefitting from its programs.
Carry the Torch through Memphis is a monthly series highlighting the great work of nonprofit organizations in Memphis. This article was written by team members at Campfire Collective in collaboration with I Love Memphis.
We talked to Erin Benfield, the Family Resource and Community Engagement Manager at Hope House, about the organization’s past, future, and the impact this organization has on our community today.
Tell us about Hope House: Why is the work you do important?
The people we serve have unique challenges and face discrimination in many areas of their lives. Hope House aims to meet this group’s basic needs so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. These basic needs include daycare, preschool, access to a food pantry and hygiene closet, housing and utility assistance, and mental health services. We also have an outreach team that provides free HIV testing and education to the community.
How did Hope House start?
Hope House was opened in 1995 by a group of volunteers from the Junior League of Memphis to meet a need for women and children affected by HIV in the area. Due to the stigma surrounding HIV, these women struggled to find a loving place to care for their children while they went to work or met with their medical providers. Hope House was established to meet this important need.
Over the past three decades, Hope House has continued to support these families and has expanded its services to include individuals as well. Today, we provide comprehensive wraparound services for those affected by HIV, going beyond child care to address a wide range of needs.
Why is this organization located in Memphis?
Memphis had the second highest rate of new HIV cases in the country this year, so our services are more needed than ever. Our outreach team works hard to test as many Memphians for HIV as possible and enroll them in care if needed. In 2023 alone, our team administered 681 HIV tests and educated 1,738 people on HIV prevention.
What are some big events or fundraisers that Hope House has annually, and how can people contribute?
We typically have two fundraisers a year. You can support Hope House at our family-focused fundraiser, CMOM After Dark! This fundraiser takes place annually at the Children's Museum of Memphis. Tickets include after-hours access to the museum, face painting, games and activities, unlimited carousel rides, cosplay characters, food, adult beverages for those over 21, and lots of fun! All funds from the event will go toward supporting Hope House families and its children's program.
Hope House is currently running a Summer of Hope campaign with the hopes of raising $10,000 by May 9th. Donate today!
How can Memphians get involved with Hope House or volunteer?
We love community volunteers! Whether you are interested in volunteering as an individual or as a group, there’s a place for you to help at Hope House! Those interested can find more information on our website. We are always in need of healthy food products and hygiene products like soap, shampoo, deodorant, and cleaning supplies. We have different needs throughout the year, and these will be posted on our social media accounts. Donations can be dropped off at Hope House Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tell us about your organization’s dreams and goals for the short-term and long-term? What changes does Hope House aim to bring about?
In the short term, our goal is to help individuals and families achieve stability. For those living with HIV, a crucial part of that stability is reaching viral suppression — living their healthiest possible lives while making the virus non-transmittable to others. This not only improves people’s lives but also reduces new infections and builds a healthier community. Our long-term goal is to ultimately work ourselves out of a job and eradicate HIV in Shelby County. Everything we do at Hope House is to bring us closer to that reality.
Tell us a little about you: How did you get involved with Hope House?
I have been the Family Resource and Community Engagement Manager at Hope House for the past two and a half years. Working here has been meaningful. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to a team dedicated to making a tangible difference for families affected by HIV and poverty. It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that prioritizes support and empowerment for families in our community.
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