Builders of Hope
Builders of Hope: Transitional Housing & Family Mentoring in Ephrata & Cocalico
Every family deserves a foundation to stand on. For families facing housing insecurity in the Ephrata and Cocalico School Districts, Community Hive’s Builders of Hope program provides exactly that — not a handout, but a hand up toward lasting independence.
How Builders of Hope Works
Housing instability rarely affects just one person. When a family loses stable housing, it touches everything: a child’s ability to focus in school, a parent’s ability to hold down a job, a household’s ability to plan for tomorrow instead of just surviving today. Programs like Builders of Hope exist because breaking that cycle takes more than temporary shelter — it takes time, structure, and support built around the whole family.
That’s the philosophy behind Builders of Hope. Over a 6–12 month period, participating families live in apartment-style transitional housing while working alongside case managers and mentors to build the skills and stability needed for long-term self-sufficiency. The program combines practical tools — budgeting guidance, case management, one-on-one mentorship — with a clear expectation: participants must maintain employment as they work toward a stronger future. It’s a partnership, not a program done to families, but one done with them.
Real Support, Real Change
One participant described her life before Builders of Hope as difficult and chaotic. What she found in the program, she said, was something simple but essential: it makes people feel safe.
That sense of safety is where change begins. As Builders of Hope volunteer Bob Kadlubowski put it, “People become better citizens, better parents.” Pastor Brad Haws of St. John’s UCC, who has watched the program’s impact firsthand, described it this way: “It’s not just providing housing. It’s helping a person gain dignity, helping a person gain a sense of self-respect.” And at its core, the program offers something every family needs to move forward — “an opportunity and support to find a job and save money.”
Builders of Hope’s Impact on Families and the Community
The impact of Builders of Hope extends well beyond the individuals and families it serves directly. When a family achieves stable, independent housing, the benefits ripple outward:
- Stable, independent housing — families move from crisis to a secure place to call home
- Improved credit scores — participants build the financial foundation for long-term independence
- Crisis prevention — early, proactive support keeps families from falling into deeper instability
Stronger families make stronger schools, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger communities. Every family that graduates from Builders of Hope with stable housing, steady employment, and a plan for the future is one less family in crisis — and one more family contributing to the health of the Ephrata and Cocalico communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Builders of Hope is a transitional housing and mentoring program from Community Hive, serving families in the Ephrata and Cocalico School Districts. It combines apartment-style housing with case management, budgeting guidance, and one-on-one mentorship to help families build toward long-term independence.
Families typically participate in Builders of Hope for 6 to 12 months, depending on individual circumstances and progress toward their goals.
Families are placed in apartment-style transitional housing and paired with a case manager and mentor. Participants are required to maintain employment throughout the program as they work toward stable, independent living.
The program serves families within the Ephrata and Cocalico School Districts. Families interested in learning more about eligibility can contact Community Hive directly.
Families can reach out to Community Hive directly to learn more about the program and begin the application process.
Participating families move toward stable, independent housing and improved credit scores, and the program’s early, proactive support helps prevent housing crises before they escalate.
Help Families Build Their Next Chapter
Community Hive is currently raising funds to purchase a permanent home for the Cocalico Builders of Hope program — giving families an even more stable foundation to build their futures on. Kendra Shuman, Volunteer Chairperson and Financial Coach for Cocalico’s BOH, is spearheading the campaign.
Donate to the campaign and help make that home a reality.
A Bridge to Independence
Builders of Hope isn’t a quick fix, and it isn’t meant to be. Real change takes time, and this program is built to meet families where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be — toward dignity, self-respect, and a future they’ve built for themselves.
Are you or someone you know facing housing instability? Families in the Ephrata and Cocalico School Districts can reach out to Community Hive directly to learn more about Builders of Hope and begin the next step toward secure, independent living.
Contact Community Hive today to learn how Builders of Hope can help your family find its footing.
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