Hope House:
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​Making God Known by modeling the radical hospitality of JESUS Christ.

What we do
​​Hope House is a UKirk ministry of the PC(USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Home Away from Home

Hope House is unique in that students of diverse faith, background, culture, economic status, ability, theology, race, sexuality, and gender find a place that not only allows but encourages conversations and relationships between people who might not otherwise have a chance to hear and see others who are different from us.
  We have a beautiful old Victorian house three houses off campus that has become a home for many of our students.  The house itself  is three floors and boasts a coffee shop, study rooms, free wifi, free washer/dryer, big screen TVs, a ping pong table, printers and computers, as well as, a huge backyard with picnic tables, amazing porches, and a spot to hang your Enos/hammocks. ​Everyone is welcome to come and make Hope House their home.

UKirk

Modeling the radical hospitality of Jesus Christ is about who we are and not our exceptions of others. It is journeying alongside students, offering respite for the weary, and reminding one another that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. This is a place of love and grace. Modeling God's love to ALL people, has been evangelism for us. Students know we care about them and will advocate for them. In this way, we intentionally seek to reach out to those who have been hurt by the church, to model the gospel as we believe Jesus Christ intended it. For these reasons, we seek to be a space of vulnerability. Our director has been trained in the safe zone training by UTC. For folks who identify by varying faiths, no faith, conservative, liberal,  LGBTQ+, for those that identify with some of these labels and those for whom none of these labels quite fit, Hope is a judgment free zone where you can choose to be as active as you want. We offer worship, interfaith dialogue, mission and retreat opportunities, small group experiences,  study, and various short term interest groups (ex., hiking, crocheting/knitting, swimming, climbing, prayer, etc.). 

Food Ministry

Our fastest growing ministry is our food ministry. According to a recent study 47% of UTC students reported being food insecure at some point in their time at UTC. We offer a Free Tuesday lunch sponsored by local churches, dinner and Bible study one night a week, and always have leftovers and/or sandwiches available throughout the week. With almost half of UTC students reporting they do not know where their next meal is coming from, this is a ministry that truly meets the needs of the community.

What Are Our Students Saying?

Samual

"Hope House is amazing! There is a wonderful community of kind people; always loads of laughs and smiles; and an aura of peace that pervades into every interaction. It's my home away from home, and it's the community that helps me positively take on my studies and endeavors."

Silvia

"The Hope House gives me the opportunity to express myself and be around people who I know care for others. From fun activities to more spiritual activities, I can tell you that the Hope House is the place to be. Warm and Welcoming atmosphere. Please come in." ​

Kelsei

"To me, Hope House has been a sanctuary where I can come and be myself unapologetically and without hesitation. It gives me a place to come when I want a quiet space, genuine advice, a comfy seat or a bite to fill my stomach. Starting from the lovely smiles that greet me to the soft felt “have a good day” when I leave, the Hope House is a gem, and I will always treasure it.
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