What Hope Center does

Hope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, founded in 1993 to provide a continuum of human services for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges. It operates an integrated service model spanning 24/7 emergency shelter (up to 200 men nightly), men's and women's residential recovery programs using the Recovery Dynamics curriculum (over 1,000 graduates since 1996), the SHARE mental health program, and street/mobile outreach via HopeMobile. The organization also runs permanent supportive housing (132 units across three complexes), transitional housing (72 beds including 24–32 for veterans), employment services, and the One Parent Scholar House program for single parents in higher education.

The organization delivers services through a multi-campus physical footprint on West Loudon Avenue and Versailles Road, with embedded strategic partners including HealthFirst Bluegrass (on-site health clinic), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Kentucky Department of Corrections (Fayette County Detention Center Recovery Program since 2002 for men and 2006 for women), Community Action Council (The Prep Academy at Red Mile childcare), and Section 8 housing subsidy administration. There is no proprietary technology platform; operational tooling is standard nonprofit stack (website, donor CRM, VolunteerLocal).

Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropy, foundation and corporate grants, government contracts, and event sponsorships — services are provided free of charge to clients. Notable recent grants include $75,000 from PNC Foundation (October 2025) for employment-program enhancement, $50,000 from Quantrell Subaru (April 2026), $5,000 from Duke Energy Foundation (July 2023), and general operating support from OceanFirst Foundation. The organization served more than 800 individuals per day with shelter, meals (7,000+ per month at Jacobs Hope Cafeteria), and program services, and is governed by a Board of Directors led by CEO Jeff Crook.

Name

Hope Center

Legal name

The Hope Center, Lexington, KY

Website

https://hopectr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lexington, Kentucky that operates emergency shelter, residential recovery, mental health, housing, and employment programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, mental illness, and family instability in Central Kentucky.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services / Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

Keywords

• Emergency shelter services
• Substance abuse recovery
• Mental health programs
• Homeless services
• Affordable housing programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Lexington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropy / Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute via the website, mail-in checks, and the Amazon Wishlist program. The organization runs ongoing donation campaigns and special fundraising events.
2. Foundation & Corporate Grants: The Hope Center receives grants from foundations such as PNC Foundation ($75,000 for employment program enhancement) and corporate sponsors at events. OceanFirst Foundation also provided a general operating support grant.
3. Government Contracts: The organization operates programs under government contracts including Department of Corrections programs (Fayette County Detention Center Recovery Program) and VA partnerships for veterans' housing. The organization notes that government contracts have become more challenging to secure.
4. Event Sponsorships & Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors fund events such as Ball Homes Night of Hope and Education Builds Hope, providing tiered sponsorship packages at various investment levels. This represents a significant revenue and visibility channel.
5. Client Self-Pay / Housing Subsidy Programs: One Parent Scholar House residents pay rent under Section 8 rent subsidy. Other housing programs operate under similar affordable housing models.
6. Community Support / Volunteer In-Kind: Volunteers provide thousands of hours of service at the Jacobs Hope Cafeteria (7,000+ meals/month) and emergency shelter. This in-kind support reduces operational costs significantly.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Hope Center is a nonprofit human services organization that operates a multi-campus continuum of care in Lexington, Kentucky, providing 24/7 emergency shelter for adult men (up to 200 nightly), long-term residential recovery programs for men and women, mental health treatment, permanent and transitional supportive housing, employment services, and food service. All services are provided free of charge to clients, funded by donations, foundation and corporate grants, government contracts, and event sponsorships. The organization also operates the One Parent Scholar House subsidiary, offering affordable housing and childcare for single parents in college.

Product overview

The Hope Center offers a comprehensive suite of social services organized as interconnected programs. The core offerings include emergency shelter for adult men (up to 200 nightly), residential recovery programs for both men and women (using Recovery Dynamics curriculum), and mental health services through the SHARE program. Housing services span a continuum from emergency shelter through transitional housing (72 beds at Quantrell Jones Center) to permanent supportive housing (132 units across three facilities). Specialized populations are served through the Veterans Program and One Parent Scholar House (for single-parent college students). Supporting services include employment assistance, healthcare (via HealthFirst Bluegrass clinic), and the Jacobs Hope Cafeteria serving 7,000+ meals monthly. The organization operates on a campus model with multiple facilities across Lexington, KY.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• One Parent Scholar House: A comprehensive self-sufficiency program for single parents pursuing higher education, providing affordable housing, childcare, counseling, workshops, and support services. Located at 1156 Horsemans Lane, Lexington, KY.
• George Privett Recovery Center
• Ball-Quantrell Jones Center for Women
• SHARE Mental Health Program
• HopeMobile
• Jacobs Hope Cafeteria
• A Running Start
• Safe Off the Streets

Products and services

• Emergency Shelter Provides 24/7 emergency shelter for adult men, including lodging, showers, laundry, clothing, and basic care items. Serves up to 200 men nightly with expanded capacity during winter months. Includes the Dr. Gordon Hyde Hope Health Clinic (operated by HealthFirst Bluegrass), Men's Safe Off the Streets (formerly Detox), Veterans Program, clothing closet, and employment program.
• Men's Recovery Program Long-term residential recovery program for men with substance use disorder at the George Privett Recovery Center, using the Recovery Dynamics curriculum in a peer-driven and professionally supervised community setting. Over 1,000 program graduates since 1996.
• Women's Recovery Program Residential recovery program for women at the Ball-Quantrell Jones Center for Women, based on the same peer-driven, professionally supervised model as the men's program with gender-specific features.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Group therapy and 12-step support groups for men and women, providing flexible recovery options for individuals who cannot attend residential programs or who are transitioning from residential care.
• Residential Treatment Program 30-day intensive residential treatment program housed at the Don & Cathy Jacobs House, accommodating 16 clients with space to grow, featuring group and individualized sessions.
• SHARE Mental Health Program Comprehensive mental health program (Support, Housing, Advocacy, Recovery, and Empowerment) providing psychiatric care, counseling, peer-led support groups, case management, and SSI/SSDI disability application assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
• HopeMobile & Street Outreach Mobile outreach services reaching unhoused individuals at encampments five days a week, providing meals, supplies, and connection to shelter and longer-term services.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Long-term housing with wraparound services for individuals overcoming chronic homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders. Operates 132 units across three apartment complexes: Don Ball Campus Center (48 units for men), Hill Rise Place (40 units for men), and Barbara H. Rouse House (44 units for women).
• Transitional Housing Short-term structured housing with life skills training, case management, and recovery support to prepare residents for independent living. Includes 72 beds at the Veterans and Transitional Housing facility.
• Quantrell Jones Center 72-bed transitional housing facility with 32 beds designated for veterans, providing case management, employment support, and connections to recovery and mental health services through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• One Parent Scholar House Self-sufficiency program for single parents who are full-time students, providing affordable housing with Section 8 rent subsidy, on-site childcare through The Prep Academy at Red Mile, counseling, parenting workshops, and life skills support. Features 72 two-bedroom and 8 three-bedroom unfurnished apartments at 1156 Horsemans Lane, Lexington.
• Employment Services Program Employment program providing job training, transportation assistance, resume and referral support, higher education information, and technology access. Enhanced in 2025 with two dedicated social services coordinators (Brielle Perque joined September 2024; Brandi Chadwell joined June 2025) funded by a $75,000 PNC Foundation grant, building relationships with local second-chance employers.
• Dr. Gordon Hyde Hope Health Clinic Health clinic operated by HealthFirst Bluegrass on the Emergency Shelter campus at 360 West Loudon Avenue, providing medical services to Hope Center clients.
• Jacobs Hope Cafeteria Serves three hot meals daily to Emergency Shelter residents, with dinner open to the public for anyone facing food insecurity. Serves over 7,000 meals each month.
• Veterans Program Program providing free housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness through partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including case management, VA benefit navigation, healthcare, employment assistance, and recovery support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33% increase in employment among recovery program participants (52% pre-entry to 85% follow-up)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Dumas CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2026The Hope Center of 11th St. (Roanoke) launched its 'Prevention Through the Arts' dance program at the Dumas Center, introducing a free youth dance program designed to keep children engaged and off the streets in low-income communities.
• Kentucky Department of CorrectionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2002Since August 2002, the Hope Center has operated the Detention Center Recovery Program for men, and since July 2006 for women, inside the Fayette County Detention Center. Programs use Recovery Dynamics curriculum plus cognitive behavioral intervention classes.
• HealthFirst BluegrasscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthFirst Bluegrass operates the Dr. Gordon Hyde Hope Health Clinic on the Emergency Shelter campus at 360 West Loudon Avenue. The clinic provides essential medical care to Hope Center clients. Contact: 859-288-2425.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe VA partners with the Hope Center to provide free housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. The Hope Center's Veterans Coordinator helps veterans navigate VA benefits, secure documentation, and access healthcare and employment resources.
• Community Action CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Council directly operates The Prep Academy at Red Mile, an on-site child development center for children (6 weeks to 4 years old) of One Parent Scholar House residents. The Prep Academy is accredited by NAEYC and Kentucky All STARS and participates in Early Head Start.
• HealthFirst Bluegrass (Health Clinic)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeyond the on-site clinic, HealthFirst Bluegrass provides integrated healthcare services supporting the mental health, recovery, and housing programs across the Hope Center's continuum.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)coreOthersOne Parent Scholar House apartments operate under the Section 8 rent subsidy program, enabling affordable housing for single parent families.
• Lexington Veterans AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLexington VA partnerships provide individualized support for veterans, including navigation of VA benefits, healthcare, and employment services through the Hope Center's Veterans Program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit offering emergency shelter, recovery, veterans housing, and supportive services across many U.S. markets. Highly comparable mission and service mix to Hope Center but operates at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.
• Salvation Army: Global faith-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, addiction recovery, food services, veterans support, and disaster relief. Comparable integrated continuum approach and similar target populations to Hope Center.
• Catholic Charities USA: National nonprofit network delivering shelter, recovery, housing, immigration, and family services. Comparable comprehensive human services approach with similar faith-informed operational model.

Direct peers

• Goodwill Industries International: Mission-driven nonprofit focused on employment services, job training, and second-chance hiring for disadvantaged populations. Comparable employment program and reentry workforce focus to Hope Center's employment services and second-chance employer partnerships.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): National nonprofit providing mental health support, education, advocacy, and peer-led programs. Directly comparable to Hope Center's SHARE Mental Health Program and peer-led recovery/case management model.
• Recovery Kentucky Network: Network of recovery centers across Kentucky using the Recovery Dynamics curriculum — the same model Hope Center operates. Direct operating model match including residential recovery, peer-driven design, and reentry partnerships.
• YWCA USA: National nonprofit providing housing, recovery, and supportive services for women and families. Comparable women's residential recovery program and supportive housing model to Hope Center's Ball-Quantrell Jones Center and Barbara H. Rouse House.
• Hope Center Roanoke: Separate Hope Center nonprofit serving similar populations in Roanoke, VA with comparable shelter, recovery, and supportive services. Direct peer operating model in a different geography, sharing the same organizational name and human services approach.

Regional players

• United Way of the Bluegrass: Regional funder and convener supporting Central Kentucky human services including housing, recovery, and emergency assistance. Highly relevant as a regional peer/funding partner serving overlapping populations in the same geography.
• Habitat for Humanity of Lexington: Regional affiliate providing affordable housing and homeownership pathways in Lexington, KY. Comparable affordable housing mission and geography to Hope Center's permanent supportive housing portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hopecenterlexington1993
• Facebookfacebook.com/HopeCenterLex
• Instagraminstagram.com/hopecenterlex
• Xx.com/hopecenterlex

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hope Center