Hope Acts Collection at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland

The Social Justice and Peace Commission at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland will coordinate the collection of needed household items on the weekend of February 11-12 to assist a local organization dedicated to welcoming and empowering asylum seekers.

All are encouraged to bring cleaning supplies, mops, sponges, bars of unscented soap, or grocery gift cards to any Mass at St. Pius X Church on 492 Ocean Avenue (Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m.) or St. Joseph Church on 673 Stevens Avenue (Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.).

The items collected will be given to Hope Acts, an organization in Portland that supports asylum seekers by providing housing, English classes, and other resources that help them in transitioning to life in Portland.

The organization also operates Hope House in Portland which offers housing to up to 13 adult asylum seekers. At the house, the asylum seekers receive individual support and cultural assistance in a warm, family-like environment. Hope Acts also hosts the Hope House English Language Program that currently serves students from 23 different countries.

For more information about Hope Acts or to apply to live at Hope House, contact Julie at [email protected] or 207-274-6005.