History

HOPE was born in 1968 when a family was found living in a garage in Wheaton, IL. A few individuals dug into their savings to buy and renovate a house for the needy family. Historically, this was the first family assisted housing in DuPage County. But for the pioneers of HOPE it was just a simple act of helping a family enjoy the right to a decent place to live. When other people asked for similar help, HOPE developed an innovative housing plan which was publicized in the national media. An article was published on September 20, 1970 in an issue of Parade Magazine, titled “A New Lease on Life” which generated nationwide interest from start-up housing centers from all around the country. Through private contributions, homes were bought, renovated and made available to families at affordable rents. HOPE members acted as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and janitors to demonstrate how people could be decently housed and neighborhoods improved at the same time.

In 1970, Bernard Kleina was hired as Executive Director to take HOPE beyond the buying of individual homes. His mission was to challenge the policies and practices of a system which worked to the disadvantage of low-income and people of color. Thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers and contributors, HOPE has remained faithful to that mission.

Founders:

• Initial Incorporators and Officers:
  
  Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Chinn
  Ms. Fran Holtzman
  Mr. & Mrs. Giles Kelly
  Richard and Ruth Riha
  Hartman and Shirley Stime
  
  
• Initial Board of Directors:
  
  President: Ms. Jo Bellinger
  Vice President: Mr. John Waters
  Secretary: Ms. Fran Holtzman
  Treasurer: Mr. Phillip Chinn