Located in the heart of Wylie, one non-profit is helping lift up locals by providing basic necessities and long-term support to southeast Collin County residents in need. Hope for the Cities, helmed by Executive Director Jon Bailey, has been providing meals, financial assistance, and long-term support to locals since March of 2020.
What Hope for the Cities Does
Hope for the Cities launched in March of 2020 when the Covid shutdown caused local schools to close. Students and families who had depended on free or reduced lunches suddenly found themselves without that daily assistance. Wylie ISD was concerned about students being hungry, and asked The Cross Church if they could help.
Volunteers from the church came together immediately, sourcing, boxing, and delivering food to families in the area who were experiencing food insecurity. Every week since that first week in March of 2020, volunteers have come together to feed their community.
Jon says, “Hope for The Cities leverages its network to deliver resources to serve those in need. We want our friends to feel confident in their future, regardless of their current circumstances, and in themselves regardless of previous mistakes or missteps.”
Hope for the Cities serves southeast Collin County. They primarily serve “people who are experiencing food insecurity, are vocationally under-resourced, or have no consistent source of housing.”
What Makes Hope for the Cities Special
While Hope for the Cities provides immediate assistance to those who need it most, they are also in it for the long haul, helping hundreds of families across the county. According to Jon, “We come alongside those we serve to get them from crisis to stability with a wraparound approach by providing awareness, access, and advocacy.” After providing direct assistance for pressing needs like food or housing, Hope for the Cities provides long-term assistance through coaching and support.
Doing Business in Wylie
Hope for the Cities is located at The Cross Church in historic downtown Wylie, and every week the church’s community comes together to prepare and deliver boxes of food. When asked what Jon likes about doing business in Wylie, he says, “We have an amazing community with great relationships. Hope for The Cities works together with other organizations and groups to serve those in need.”
Hope for the Cities is about to celebrate its fourth anniversary, and it has grown over the last few years. Jon says Hope for the Cities plans to “continually serve the needs of the community through partnerships,” and is always looking for businesses or individuals who would like to get involved.
Want to Get Involved?
Hope for the Cities is a 501(c)(3) that relies on volunteer help and donations to keep the program running. You can learn how to volunteer or get involved here.
Connect with Hope for the Cities Here:
Hope for the Cities is located at 200 N Ballard Avenue, Wylie, TX 75098.