Joy Closet Executive Director, Heather Gray appeared on WHOP on Thursday where she gave listeners an update on the progress of the Hope House which will serve to temporarily house children entering the foster care program.
Joy Closet is a local nonprofit with the mission of helping foster and kinship children who may have been removed from their homes. The nonprofit provides activities for children and resources such as clothes and toys.
In 2023, Gray announced that she was planning to expand Joy Closet’s operations with the creation of the Hope House. On Thursday, Gray said they are picking up speed on establishing the Hope House.
The Hope House will house children who have been removed from their homes instead of them having to be placed at a Department for Community Based Services office. Gray says the Hope House will have resources for children and keep them comfortable as members from DCBS search for a home for them.
Gray says the Hope House will also be a vital resource to foster families as the home will have basic resources so that before the child is placed, they can take showers and baths, have warm meals and have their clothes washed. Â
As the nonprofit continues to work on the Hope House, Gray says they will share updates and is happy with how her vision is developing. More information about Joy Closet can be found at joycloset.org or on Facebook at Joy Closet.