A Home Away from Home for Mississippi's Seriously Ill Outpatients since 1985
Testimonials
"The Love of Family is what I have experienced here with others who are going through similar circumstances."
"Hope House is God’s House."
"It’s full of the love, peace, and hope of God."
I have found a renewed faith and strength in God's Word
Hope House of Hospitality on Facebook Watch
Mr. Fred Woods of Mize, MS shares his testimony.
“I received all my treatments at St. Dominic’s Hospital. One day while I was there I finally spoke to a case worker, and she suggested Hope House for me. I had heard of the Ronald McDonald house, but I had never heard of Hope House. I remember when we were having that conversation she asked if I would be interested in staying here, and I said “My momma has to come with me. If she can’t come, I’m not staying.” The case worker called to make sure that it would be okay, and sure enough, they told her she could stay. I’ve just fallen in love with this place. Whenever I have checkups or tests this is the first place I come, and it’s just such a pleasure. It really is wonderful. I appreciate so much everything that they’ve offered me. I always say that this is a God-sent place. I never really took cancer seriously before I was affected by it, because I wasn’t around many people who had it; but once it struck me, that was a totally different story. I’ve learned so much about cancer. I never knew there were so many types, and it’s amazing how bad this stuff is. And then you throw in treatments, and it’s a life-changing situation. But now that I’m in this situation, I can finally understand the sufferings of others. So many times we judge because we can’t place ourselves in someone’s shoes, but it’s so wrong to judge. Now I tell people not to talk about people, because you have no idea what that person is going through. You have to be careful when you speak. This cancer has changed me: I try to speak before I speak, if I see something wrong with someone, I don’t try to judge, I just say “Lord, bless them,” because who am I to try to judge? When I see the kids who are in St. Jude’s, I take my hat off to those babies, because they are so strong. They have the biggest smiles, and it just amazes me. When I got cancer, I lost the job I had, I lost my vehicle, and I just felt like I had failed my kids. I had nothing. I had no idea how I was going to take care of my kids. Thank you, Jesus, for mommas, because I don’t know what I would have done without her by my side. But even though it’s been tough, the Lord has been so good to me, and He’s blessed me so much through this. "
–Tracy Davis, Greenwood, MS
"Strangers...More strangers...I have been surrounded by Strangers for months. Strangers helping to care for my Husband. Strangers in the hospital hallways...Strangers in the cafeteria...Strangers in waiting rooms...and more waiting rooms. Strangers with their own lives, their own worries, their own families. Strangers who barely noticed my existence, who cared less about me trying so hard to help my Husband beat his cancer and recover from surgery. And Now, while my Husband goes through treatments, we are going to stay at a place called "Hope House"...with Strangers...More Strangers...
March 26, 2015: It's our last night at "Hope House" and I'm joyful that my Husband's treatments are finally finished and that we will be back home with family, friends and pets. But I am also sad to leave behind the Friends who have become like Family to us for the last 7 weeks. Yes, Family. Because the Love of Family is what I have experienced here with others who are going through similar circumstances. While my Husband's cancer is oral, others here are fighting their own battles against breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer and esophageal cancer. Male and female, young and old, of different races and social status, all fighting the same foe. Whether we are the patient or the caregiver, we encourage, and listen and pray for one another. We have felt the love and prayers of three wonderful Christian women, who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Now, as we lay here, our last night...with Strangers, we thank the Lord for "Hope House", for Miss Wanda, and Mia and Dana; for Mr. Al; for all those who have given of their time, money, and effort to make this place possible. We thank God for the wonderful meals, the warm bed, the peacefulness of this place, and even for the sweet squirrels that entertained us as we rocked on the front porch. We pray for the other patients here and their caregivers, that God will continue to bless them and help them through their storm. And then we pray for those who will one day need to come here, that they too will be victorious over cancer and that they too will find that there are...No Strangers here at Hope House."
Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a Stranger and you invited me in."
–Tink & Lois Shinabargar, Carthage, MS
"Today is my 2nd day here at the Hope House. The environment is clean and the atmosphere is pleasant, cheerful, and friendly. Most of all, it’s full of the love, peace, and hope of God. I am Elaine Walker Knox and I am a cancer survivor, undergoing radiation treatments at this time. Upon completing trying rounds of chemotherapy along with the less than favorable side effects, and a couple of breast augmentation surgeries, I was then informed that I had to have radiation and they needed me in treatment 5 days a week for the next 7 weeks. Traveling the road is and was too much for me and my husband. It was costly running back and forth with lots of wear and tear on the vehicle, not to mention my body. So I asked them could they maybe knock my treatments down to a couple of days a week, that way I wouldn’t have to be on the road as much. Needless to say, the response was no. Beth from the Cancer Center at St. Dominic told me about Hope House, and that I could stay there if they had an opening. She went on to say that it was a place where people could stay so that they would not have to travel long distances for treatment during the week. I was reluctant because that meant I would have to stay away from my home and husband. I did not want to. However, I found out I did get to go home on the weekends. Well, it didn’t take long to find out that all was well, and I was worried for nothing. It wasn’t anything like I expected (actually, I didn’t know what to expect). The people were friendly, and the staff was very welcoming with warm smiles and open arms, greeting me and my husband at the door. I was overwhelmed with joy, I felt blessed.
My 2nd day I was sitting at lunch and decided to ask the Director, Wanda, how the Hope House was born. She began to tell me this magnificent and compassionate story of how people were staying in the hospital to be near their loved ones while they sought treatment for cancer. One particular family decided to rent a big house and open their doors to all who had ill family members in the hospital. They offered them a place shower, sleep, and even get a hot meal. The generosity just spread (incredible, God-fearing people). This blessing was birthed back in 1984 and developed into a ministry of hope for the patient in 1985—Hope House of Hospitality. Hope House provides a “home away from home” for cancer patients while they undergo outpatient treatment that is still fulfilling their mission today. The caretakers of this facility are GOD-TASTIC: loving, caring, gentle, compassionate, and thoughtful people. Hope House is God’s House.
People are keeping this place running by donating their time, money and effort. Miracles really do happen, especially at Hope House! This place has helped and sheltered many ill people and their families. In my opinion, there should be more than one Hope House (God’s Houses). The lives these people have touched and changed (including mine), the Godly living, and the Godly love have touched me so deeply. Giving God all the glory! He put people in the right place to keep these doors open-Hallelujah!!! To all who generously donated your time, money, food and encouraging words, or whatever you done in any and all capacities, on behalf of the patients here at Hope House; I would like to deeply thank you for everything. God Bless you all. This is truly a “home away from home."
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me….. “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:35-40
–Elaine Knox, Yazoo City
"The ministry at Hope House continues to be a blessing to so many. At first glance one would think, how can such a small ministry have such an impact on people’s lives? Well, it’s simple, with God and the desire to love and serve others, all things are possible. This ministry presents an opportunity for anyone who has a desire to help those that are guests of this “home away from home” haven through serving as a volunteer, donating money, supplies, fellowshipping and praying with them. I serve as a volunteer by way of giving community service hours through my internship studies at Belhaven College. One of my strengths in the ministry this semester is the opportunity to interact and pray with the guests. I make hospital visits to pray with those guests who have been admitted due to medical emergency. I receive so much joy by being able to encourage those I have come to know through my community service time and to see the excitement of those who are so glad that Hope House thought and cared enough to send someone by to check on them. Due to personal health limitation, I am not able to stay as long to serve as I would like to, however, this will not, and I say again will not completely hinder me from doing the Lord’s work. Where I am weak, He makes me strong. Therefore, I go in His strength; I do enjoy the hours that I am here at Hope House. I feel a kinship with Wanda & Mia and each guest that I have the opportunity to meet and serve. It has been truly a wonderful opportunity to serve here at Hope House."
–Mike Nichols, Volunteer
"In February 2012, my doctors informed me of the need for radiation treatment for a small mass discovered after surgery in November 2011. Uncertain and unclear of the difficulties I would be facing with radiation and having to leave my family for 5 1/2 weeks weakened my faith and left my spirit low. Needing a place to stay during my 5 1/2 weeks of radiation treatments led me to Hope House, "a home away from home" At Hope House I found a Christian ministry home. From the first day to the last day I was inspired, encouraged, loved and blessed by God's Word. At Hope House, Mrs. Wanda (Director) and Ms. Mia (Asst. Director) led us first and foremost in utilizing God's Word for our healing, trust, and faith in claiming victory over our illnesses. Individually and collectively Mrs. Wanda and Ms. Mia addressed the needs and provided care for each patient/guest in a loving and respectful manner. At Hope House, a bond is formed and feelings shared with those we live with and share a oneness with cancer during those weeks and we know that we will always be connected. After 5 1/2 weeks of treatment and my stay at Hope House, I have found a renewed faith and strength in God's Word. God's Word in Romans 9:24-25 says, "For in this Hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." On April 12, 2012, I left Hope hosue with my Faith, Trust, spirit and body healed in Jesus name. God Bless Hope House."
–Yvonne Chatman, Natchez, MS
On August 15, 2011-I was diagnosed with prostate cancer-stage 3. I was referred to St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson for 43 radiation treatments, with no transportation and a limited income it was an impossible situation. Being referred to Hope House was a dream come true. To travel over 1500 miles a week or stay in a motel was out of the question. Being at Hope House was both spiritually and physically uplifting. A place where they nourish your spiritual needs as well as your body. The stay at Hope House for 9 1/2 weeks has proven to me that there is love and kindness abounding in the spirit of the 2 ladies who run Hope House. The bond of love and friendship with the other residents is unbelievable.
Charles Jackson - MS Gulf Coast
"For I was hungered and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick and ye visited me; I was in prison and ye came to me. Then shall the righteous answer Him saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when we saw thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? and the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." In Christian Love and Many Thanks!
Nita & Gerald McKenzie, Bogue Chitto, MS
"Suffering is present in the world in order to release love in order to give birth to works of love towards neighbor."
"Volunteering at Hope House is some about giving to "neighbors", those who are displaced from their home communities/families so as to receive critical medical care, but I am convinced is much more about the growth in virtue and selfless love in those who serve! We are really the lucky beneficiaries! Hope House is the only Ronald McDonald house of sorts for adults in MS and is unapologetically, faith based. In a culture which denies a Divine Physician, Hope House honors our Creator.......and affirms that all things, even illness and suffering, works for good!
Every simple act of love is appreciated by Hope House's guests........
It may be a simple home cooked supper......waffles with all the fattening comforting extras of whip cream, chocolate chips etc.....is a feast!
Or children, playing tag THROUGH the house provides laughter and entertainment for the patients who no doubt miss their children and grands. Once while serving supper the kids discovered a baby orphaned squirrel, and the residents each took turns offering veterinary advice for his survival! He made it....and we even took pictures of the squirrel and all of his adult friends!
Please consider volunteering your time, treasure, talents to Hope House......PS shhhhhhhhhhhh............ it's top secret....you/your family will reap all of the rewards!!! (here and eternally!)"
–Gerry & Vic Gray-Lewis and children , Volunteer- Jackson, MS
"My eight weeks at Hope House were such a blessing. I thank God for this ministry. Mia and Wanda, your ministry is truly a blessing to so many of us who need a "home away from home" = = a place to eat, to rest, and to draw strength from and give strength to others in similar circumstances. I will always remember the many kindnesses shown me during my stay at Hope House. God Bless everyone at Hope House."
–Susie Carter, Guest - Natchez, MS
"We would like to say Thank You for preparing a wonderful place as the Hope House. It is truly a blessing for each and every person in the world. The impact that Mia and Wanda made on us was just unbelievable. It was truly a "home away from home". The best part of the trip this time was to meet the wonderful, caring people that were there. There has never been a more caring and compassionate place that we have ever been. May God bless each and everyone at the Hope House. We look for to being back again with our next appointment."
–Lindy Horne, Guest - Reevesville, South Carolina
"I have had patients tell me that Hope House is like a home away from home!! The people that work at Hope House are so kind and generous.
Hope House brings together people who are facing adversity, whether it is someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on or just to sit together in silence. It has a family atmosphere.
One patient told me that is was like being on a vacation and staying at a nice bed and breakfast.
Hope House is so conveniently located, it took only minutes to get to my appointments.
As a medical provider, it is such a blessing to have a place like Hope House to send patients. I not only love the location, the houses themselves, but I love
the staff and how kind and caring they are to my patients. I would recommend Hope House to anyone in need of a place to stay while they are away from home."
–Stephanie Swilley, LMSW
St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital Cancer Center
"I love Hope House! Glory be to God. Truly God gets all the praises and honors that He has allowed me to be used as His servant at HH. When I am at HH I don't think of my limitations but of God's abundance and unlimited resources. I always feel the presence of God at HH. I am humbled that God is using me as an instrument of serving His people. In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, " For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
I have been truly blessed by my involvement at Hope House."
–Kathern Lucas, Volunteer-Jackson, MS
"I thank God for the Hope House. You are standing in the Gap for Laura and I. Before we started coming to the Hope House we stayed in hotels. I worried about our safety and was so lonely. I did not know anyone in town. The cost was difficult at times when we stayed a month. Now, I know I am safe. I have a clean room, bed, a good meal and most of all friends in Wanda & Mia. God has truly blessed us through the Hope House. The time you've given, the hearts you've touched, the lives you've blessed-these are true gifts from God. Thank you for sharing His love."
–Linda & Laura Tucker, Guests-Tullahoma, TN
My Testimony about Hope House
First, I would like to give all Honor and Praises to my Lord and Savior. During my time of illness, I prayed to Jesus, that He would bring me to a place to recover do my treatments, I was having a hard time going back and forth to Jackson. My doctor told me about the Hope House. My first thought was..What is the Hope House? Are these people about God, Filled with the Holy Spirit? So, I checked around and asked questions.
The Hope House was everything I needed to grow as a Christian. Christian fellowship, friendship and love is found here. The people in the Hope House were like my brothers and sisters. A family away from home. People there from the top to the bottom were in the Holy Spirit, giving high praise to Jesus. The Hope House is a blessing from God and at his House...called the Hope House blessed me.
Ruthie Townsend
Appreciation
I thank the Hope House staff for their hospitality, kindness and service that was shown to me during my stay. You are one of the most caring directors I have seen. When I see you sweeping, cooking, setting up for meals; that showed me that you really care about your guests and your staff.
Willie Johnson Jr.
Thank you so much! Your kindness and hospitality as we underwent treatment will always be remembered.
The Longs of Picayune, MS
So Thankful that the Lord Made you. So thankful for your kindness too!
It was a such a blessing to stay at the Hope House. Thank you for everything.
Lee & Janet Adkins
Could Not Have Chosen A Better Place I came to Hope House 10/16/18, not knowing person here, I quickly found a good friend in the Director and Staff. Mia Martin has been my guardian angel, able to fend off any stress that I faced and help put me at ease with my problems. My situation involved a defective stomach P.E.G tube. Three days after I arrived, I landed in the hospital at UMMC. Mia stayed in touch with me and my husband which put my mind at ease and helped me through the entire ordeal. My husband was not able to get to Jackson as soon as he wanted but found that Mia was able to accommodate him comfortably-even though I was in the hospital. Discharged from the hospital on a Sunday, Mia made all the necessary arrangements to get me back to Hop House safely and into my Hope House room. I was overwhelmed by the actions and unselfish assistance that staff and Director have for the residents 24/7, around the clock. It's an awful feeling; strange place, strange people and facing a strange disease. My condition has left me a noisy sound of swallowing and many bouts of stomach problems. I knew that I was disturbing my roommate. Again, I turned to Ms. Mia and again she helped me. She placed me in a sing bright and cheery room. There I felt like I can't disturb anyone. "Ask and you shall receive" The "SOLE: purpose of Hope House is that you leave all your worries, put them aside and concentrate on Healing. The Director and staff make sure that their residents are comfortable and cared for. You are not to worry about anything. They leave no stone unturned to make sure you are cared for and loved. Hope House is full of prayer and love, The Almighty Jesus Christ and without Him nothing is impossible. These women work with Him. I could not have chosen a better more loving house to stay and to heal. The house is called Hope House for a reason, because the Lord lives at Hope House. God bless everyone under it's roof.
Dale Bedford, Magnolia, MS`