Get Involved
When you tell others about Keeping the Hanks Off, you help us reach more people in need — and more people who want to help. This guide gives you everything you need.
Who We Are
We’re a nonprofit that provides essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness.
The name comes from our founder’s father, who used the phrase when helping people in need. “Keeping the hanks off” means giving someone just enough help in that moment to keep despair at bay — so they can get to the next step.
What We Do
Hand-delivered to people at encampments, bus stations, and shelters in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Bedroom bundles (beds, sheets, blankets) and kitchen bundles (pots, pans, utensils) shipped nationwide. All items brand-new.
Hot meals served alongside care packages to people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Who We Serve
Families leaving shelters
Veterans off the streets
Domestic violence survivors
Youth aging out of foster care
Parents reunifying with kids
Anyone in transition
No restrictions. No judgment. Just help when it’s needed most.
What to Say
Use these when telling others about Keeping the Hanks Off:
When someone finally gets approved for housing after months of homelessness, they often walk into an empty apartment with nothing — no bed, no pots to cook with, no sheets.
We provide bedroom and kitchen bundles so people don’t have to choose between paying rent and buying a bed.
For those still on the streets, we deliver care packages directly — snacks, water, hygiene items — to keep them going until they get to the next step.
Even $5 helps. There’s no gift too small. $25 provides a care package. $100 gives someone bedding for their new place.
This isn’t a giant national organization. It’s people helping people, one care package and one bundle at a time.
We purchase new items so people receive something dignified. They deserve to start fresh.
Ready-to-Use Messages
Use these templates to share with friends, family, or your community.
Personal outreach
Hey [Name],
I wanted to share an organization I’ve been supporting called Amanda James House of Hope. They help people experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness by providing essential supplies — care packages for those on the streets, and bedroom/kitchen bundles for families moving into permanent housing.
What I love about them is how direct the impact is. A $25 donation provides a care package. $100 gives someone sheets, blankets, and pillows for their new place. Everything goes straight to the people who need it.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, I’d encourage you to check them out: ajhouseofhope.com
They also need volunteers in the Cleveland area if that’s something you’re interested in.
Let me know if you have any questions — happy to tell you more!
For bulletins, newsletters, or verbal announcements
We’d like to share an opportunity to support people in our community experiencing homelessness.
Amanda James House of Hope is a nonprofit that provides care packages to people living on the streets and essential bundles — beds, bedding, kitchen supplies — to families transitioning into permanent housing. There are three ways to get involved:
1. Donate at ajhouseofhope.com — every dollar goes directly to supplies
2. Volunteer locally to help pack and distribute care packages
3. Spread the word to others who might want to help
If you’d like to learn more or organize a group volunteer day, visit ajhouseofhope.com.
One conversation can lead to a donation that puts a bed in someone’s new home. One email to your church group can bring volunteers to our next outreach day.
It all starts with you. Thank you for keeping the hanks off with us.