Enrollment - FAQs
Eligibility varies for each House of Hope program. The Frequently Asked Questions below are only meant to provide an overview. If your question is not answered here, or on the program specific page, please contact us.
Appointments are necessary for some services, but Martin County residents can walk in and receive food and clothing assistance at the House of Hope location nearest them.
To make an appointment or ask questions, please call (772) 286-4673 during normal business hours.
Pantry & Clothes Closet
Who is eligible?
Martin County residents experiencing a situational crisis (i.e. a job loss, medical emergency, or other unexpected hardship) whose household income meets program income guidelines (at/or below 200% Federal Poverty Level). If your household income is over the 200% threshold your case will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
What documents do I need to provide to apply for assistance?
To start the enrollment process, you will need to provide photo ID and proof of Martin County residency (i.e. current utility bill, current lease or current mortgage statement).
To fully enroll, you will need to provide proof of ongoing need and the documents listed here.
Do I need to make an appointment?
- First time visitors, or clients who have not visited in the last 6 months, do not need to make an appointment.
- To access Client Choice Pantry shopping after your first visit, you will need to make an appointment.
- To redeem your clothes closet voucher at one of our thrift stores, you do not need to make an appointment.
What happens if I don't have all the paperwork?
Speak with House of Hope’s staff and they will be able to guide you toward the best way for you to enroll. Visit your nearest branch or call (772) 286-4673 during business hours to speak to our staff. They can recommend what to bring given your situation.
Why do you need my paperwork?
House of Hope is not a government agency. We are, however, required to collect personal information by law or by organizations that provide funds to operate our program. Other personal information collected is important to improve the services that House of Hope provides.
Financial Assistance
Requests for financial assistance begin with a phone screening where information is gathered about the type of assistance you are seeking, basic information about your household members, household income and expenses, and reasons why you are seeking assistance.
After the phone screening is completed, eligible applicants will be provided the program application and checklist of required documents. You will also be given a deadline to complete the application and to submit documentation.
Please understand additional information may be requested and required after your application has been reviewed. You will have an opportunity to work with a case manager to provide any additional information.
Who is eligible?
Martin County residents experiencing a situational crisis (i.e. a job loss, medical emergency, or other unexpected hardship) whose household income meets program income guidelines (at/or below 200% Federal Poverty Level). If your household income is over the 200% threshold your case will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
What documents do I need to provide to apply for assistance?
- Documents listed here.
- Any additional documents your case manager may request.
What happens if I don't have all the paperwork?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to determine eligibility of incomplete applications.
Why do you need my paperwork?
House of Hope is not a government agency. We are, however, required to collect personal information by law or by organizations that provide funds to operate our program. Other personal information collected is important to improve the services that House of Hope provides.
How does the payment process work?
If assistance is approved, the case manager will notify you. Assistance payments will be made on your behalf within 15 days of approval.
All assistance payments will be made directly to a vendor (i.e. property owner, mortgage lender or utility company).
How long does it take to determine eligibility?
After the phone screening is completed, eligible applicants will be provided the program application and checklist of required documents. You will also be given a deadline to complete the application and to submit documentation.
The time frame varies as it is dictated on timely submission of required documents. Generally, an eligibility determination can be made within days of submission of all requested documentation.
