“I needed an education on being homeless.”

Corey Mann, Pulse FM radio host, spends a week at Hope’s Family Life Center

Corey Mann was not content to just know about Hope Ministries. As the morning radio host for Pulse FM with a background in ministry, Corey had volunteered at Hope in the past but wanted a deeper understanding of those we serve and what happens within the walls of our facilities. “It is important to me what we do with our influence," says Corey. This past fall, Corey proposed an idea to Hope staff- he wanted to live as a Hope resident for a week while broadcasting live on Pulse FM.

“I just needed an education on what happens here, and I thought, ‘What better way to do that then to let it all play out live on the radio as well?’ If I need the education, I'm sure there are many more people who need to know what's going on here. Hope Ministries is so much more than a warm bed and a warm meal. It's a lot more than a homeless shelter, so I wanted to help open other people's eyes to what's going on,” says Corey.

The partnership between Hope and Pulse FM was named Transform 25:35 as a reference to Matthew 25:35- “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,” stressing the importance of reaching out to those in our community who are suffering.  “Transform” is a recognition of the fact that while our relationship with a person usually starts with a meal and a place to live, it is ultimately about engaging that person in the transforming power of God’s love.

Corey lived at Hope’s Family Life Center from March 22-26. He stayed in a room with four other men and participated in nearly everything that Hope residents do: meals, Bible studies, community meetings, “Work-Out Wednesday” and an evening service at a local church with his new friends. These experiences gave Corey an in-depth understanding of the people at Hope and the issues they are facing.

In turn, Corey gave Hope residents, staff and volunteers the opportunity to share their stories on the air. “There's something very powerful about stories," Corey said. "A lot of people don't know how someone gets to the front door of a place like this.” Throughout the week Corey interviewed nearly 50 men and women, sharing their experiences at Hope, the choices and circumstances that led them here and their goals for the future. After hearing the stories of our residents Corey commented that "It is important that this is faith-based because only God can change a life.”

What is Corey’s message to the community after this experience? “Don't just drive by, don't judge,” said Mann. “Get in on the opportunity to serve and do something … this place offers hope and opportunity.”

Want to help?

If you want to help in these efforts to transform lives, please consider joining our One Hour of Hope program. The One Hour program asks people to make a monthly pledge equivalent to one hour of their earnings. With just one hour of your earnings per month, you can help provide the facilities, programs and people that give our residents the chance to build a better life.

Click here to give One Hour of Hope!