Let’s imagine a hard situation. Isabelle knows that her son doesn’t want to go back to school because he has no new clothes to wear. His current clothes are developing holes wear knees and necklines should be. So, she calls the 211 social services hotline and they recommend a place called Hope Center. She drives to the address and finds a building that looks like a funeral home.
“This is the place. I hope they can help us.” She helps her son, Brian, out of the car and into the building. Once in the office, she completes some paperwork and receives a new electronic id.
The lady receptionist comes around the desk. “Follow me, I will show you to the clothing area.”
“Oh, this looks like a thrift store.” The receptionist took her over to the children’s section.
While this client experience is fiction, the Hope Center is a real place in downtown Waukesha. I interviewed Al Luzi, Director of Community Development, for this post. The most memorable thing that he said to me is that anyone who comes to them is eligible for services. A client can get ten pairs of clothing per month. In 2017, 4,653 people used the clothing store for a total of 35,831 visits. “Approximately 41% of all visits were for children” like in my fictional account.
The Hope Center provides a meal program, clothing, financial assistance, legal services, and furniture for those in need in Waukesha. “Call or stop in today if you are in need of assistance. Valid ID and proof of Waukesha County residency required. Examples of proof residency
Hope Center
HopeCenterWi.org
(262) 549-8726
502 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186