Building a Stronger Community with Hope Helps Inc.

Authors

• Layla Candelario, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Cheryl Nguyen, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Sarah Samuels, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

LDR

Course Number

3215

Faculty/Instructor

Brad Crawford

Faculty/Instructor Email

crawford@ucf.edu

About the Author

Hello,

The collaborators for this project were Layla Candelario, Cheryl Nguyen, and Sarah Samuels. We would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at both the food pantry and thrift store for being so kind! They welcomed us with open arms and made it a seamless process.

Thank you

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Our service-learning project focused on supporting HOPE Helps Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent and reduce homelessness in Central Florida. We volunteered in their thrift store and food pantry, where we helped sort donations, organize merchandise, and assist community members in need. By contributing time and effort, we learned how HOPE Helps provides essential resources that allow families to work toward stability and independence. This experience helped us better understand the value of community service and how small actions can create meaningful change. Through volunteering, we strengthened our connection to the community and supported HOPE’s mission of dignity, support, and empowerment.

Keywords

Hope Helps Inc., Food pantry, Thrift store

Recommended Citation

Candelario, Layla; Nguyen, Cheryl; and Samuels, Sarah, "Building a Stronger Community with Hope Helps Inc." (2025). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025. 1.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1