New Hope Ministries' vision continues in Scottdale
Those involved with New Hope Ministries have a vision and another step in that plan has been taken in Scottdale.
Helping Hands Clothing Ministry is now open on the ground floor of the New Hope Alliance Church building, 229 Pittsburgh St.
The goal is to help people find clothing items they may need, while at the same time offering a place for friends to meet and perhaps have some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider or water.
“We're trying to bring new missions to the community that will help them out,” said Donna Davis, director of Helping Hands Ministries. “It kind of started out as a whim. I didn't know it would grow this big....I always wanted to get involved with something and I never really had. This kind of fell into place.”
The clothing ministry now has hours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday after originally being open just the first Saturday of every month. All of the clothing items are donated. There is everything ranging from shirts to hats to shoes.
“We have the need,” Davis said. “Sometimes, we get one or two people a day (come in for clothing). There's sometimes we get 10-15 people a day.”
“We get it free, and we're giving it free,” added Neil Stevens, New Hope Alliance Church pastor.
Davis, a Scottdale resident, said if anyone wants to donates blankets that may be needed during the cold winter months, they would be welcome.
There are no qualifications that must be met to be eligible to receive clothing, which can be found in four different rooms at the facility.
“It's for those in need, low-income, the homeless,” Davis said. “You can have a job, but there are times when it's tough and you need some help. It's free. There's no charge for anything. When you come in to check the place out you can have a free cup of coffee, free cup of cider. Sit down and chat with the people who are volunteering their time here. We have at least two to three people a day here who come in to help. We just ask they take what they need for their use.”
If someone can't make it to the facility during the day, a call can be made to Davis at 724-887-4164 or Lisa Erickson at 724-220-5154.
New Hope Alliance Church moved into its current location in July 2011 and hopes to continue its vision.
“It's doing real well,” Stevens said. “We're averaging 60s, 70s (attendance). There's a good feel to the church.”
Some of the plans and hopes for the future include a ministry to those hurt by abortion called Surrendering the Secret, a medical clinic, a crisis pregnancy service and a Christian book store.
The church does currently offer an exercise class at 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays on the second floor led by Andrea Davenport, which Stevens said will expand to Friday sessions as well after Christmas.
Paul Paterra is a staff editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-887-6101 or ppaterra@tribweb.com.
