County Materials partners with HOPE of East Central Illinois to empower survivors of domestic assault to live independent, non-violent lives through the provision of Housing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education. The organization was founded by a domestic abuse survivor who partnered with community members to establish a small shelter in a two-bedroom apartment. Today, Hope of ECI offers a 24-bed shelter, five transitional housing units, and a 24/7 crisis hotline.
Established in 1978, HOPE of ECI began as a small shelter for women facing domestic abuse. As need increased, the shelter started to offer programs for children including group and individual counseling and therapeutic summer recreation programs. In 2001, HOPE expanded to provide shelter, transitional, and prevention services to those struggling with homelessness.
The mission of HOPE is to help victims overcome challenges by using a flexible approach to meeting clients’ needs. It offers programs intended to decrease violence in the community, including educational efforts in local schools and counseling for victims designed to teach them how to live self-sufficient and successful lives.
We partner with organizations that support individuals in four key service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building.