2017

Better Hope Community Outreach was founded in 2017 by Veronica Davis. The ministry began with a homeless street outreach called Feed His People, made possible through the support of our board and dedicated volunteers. Our very first Feed His People outreach took place on a street corner in Camden, where we served 72 meals to members of the homeless community in a single day. Through ongoing fundraising efforts, we have since been able to serve more than 1000 individuals experiencing homelessness.

On April 14, 2018, Better Hope was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Around that time, the BH Homeless Initiatives Committee began distributing Hygiene Care Bags to homeless women and men. This work led to a partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Somerdale committee and youth group hosted an in-kind donation drive collecting 10 boxes of personal care items for Better Hope "Hygiene Care Bags. We also hosted our first Breakfast with Santa for underprivileged children at FPC.

In 2019, the Better Hope Homeless Initiatives Committee launched the Drive-N-Service Street Outreach and the Senior Shut-In Program, and hosted our first 5K Homeless Awareness Fundraiser at Cooper River Park.

Our board members and a dedicated group of volunteers visited homebound seniors to deliver fruit baskets, share conversation, and provide information on nearby senior day programs to encourage socialization. We also served street communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by offering care packages, conversation, prayer, and a list of available support services.

2018

2019

2020

In 2020, it seemed like Better Hope might never rise again. When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, BH was significantly impacted, facing major challenges and financial hardship due to decreased donations and funding—support that was critical to keeping our organization operational.

2021-22

2023

In 2021–2022, the post-pandemic reality prompted our board to reevaluate our homeless initiatives, funding, operations, and property acquisition goals. We strengthened our commitment to sustainability and resilience by creating healthier, more flexible programs that support the well-being of single-parent mothers and pregnant youth. By expanding government partnerships, diversifying funding, and collaborating with local community resources, we positioned Better Hope for long-term growth.

In 2023, we began searching for a facility. For a nonprofit operating on a fixed budget, acquiring property can be one of the hardest hurdles to overcome. Even after months of searching, saving, and planning, we were often outbid by buyers with larger cash offers and fewer restrictions—forcing us to start over again and again. By 2024, we realized that each lost bid meant more time, higher costs, and delayed services for the people who needed support the most. Still, we remained committed, continuing the search with faith, persistence, and the belief that the right opportunity would come.

2025

In 2025, our persistence and faith led us to the right opportunity: 6.25 acres of land in Salem County, New Jersey—the first step in expanding our ability to serve those who need us most and the first phase of our building project. In March 2026, we will begin rehabilitating the existing house and mobile homes. Future phases will include infrastructure and landscape improvements, administrative offices, a retreat center, an educational/community center, and additional housing and cabins.

In 2026, the Better Hope vision is coming to life as we rehabilitate existing buildings into a transitional housing program and supportive services for pregnant and parenting youth—providing safety, stability, and a path toward self-sufficiency—while also developing a retreat center that supports healing and relaxation.

2026