Cape Homeless Group Now Also Helping Those in Early Recovery

Just over a year ago, WBSM morning host Tim Weisberg wrote an article about Hopeful Outreach, a Cape Cod non-profit organization working to find shelter and supplies for the homeless.

Now, they are taking their mission one step further, working with people in early recovery.

Hopeful Outreach co-founder Amanda Jacob joined me this week on Townsquare Sunday to outline what the group does and the people it serves.

"We attained nonprofit status in 2024 and began working with a local soup kitchen, providing meals for the unhoused three days a week," she said. "We are contracted with them to provide outreach coordination for the homeless."

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The 2024 Point-in-Time count on the Cape identified more than 560 people who are homeless. Jacob said thanks to donations from the community and fundraising efforts, they've been providing the homeless with basic needs, tents, cots, blankets, bus passes, clothing, and in some cases, temporary emergency housing.

While working with the homeless, Jacob and her team noticed a disturbing trend: many of the homeless were also dealing with substance abuse disorder. That led to Hopeful Outreach applying for funding from the Town of Barnstable.

"We received a $50,000 grant in January to provide essential resources for people in early recovery (leaving detox) on Cape Cod, including food, transportation vouchers and sober house scholarships, to help folks on the road to recovery," she said. "We also have a case manager to help them access systems, jobs and housing."

Jacob believes the toughest part of her work is gaining the trust of the people she's working with.

"A lot of the folks we work with feel they've been burned by the system, and are nervous about trusting new people coming in, even if they want the help," she said. "So we took our time, and didn't push ourselves on them, and eventually gained their trust."

Jacob said Hopeful Outreach is still very much involved with those who are homeless, as well as people in early recovery. If you need help or more information, or would like to make a donation, send an e-mail to hopefuloutreach@yahoo.com, visit the Hopeful Outreach of Cape Cod website or call (508) 776-1873.

If your nonprofit organization or charity would like to be featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.