Beacon of Hope
Capital CampaignThe Beacon of Hope Capital Campaign
is an investment in Hope House, its people, and its programs.
Asylum seekers have traveled thousands of miles—often encountering danger along the way—in search of a safe haven: a place to resume careers, open businesses, access education, buy a home, and raise families.
Hope House is often the first step for those who come to Greater Portland.
“Hope Acts welcomes asylum seekers from anywhere in the world. Hope House is more than a building—for asylum seekers, Hope House is HOME.”
—Martha Stein, Executive Director, Hope Acts
Hope House
Our historic Hope House in downtown Portland is the hub of everything Hope Acts offers. It’s not just a residence—it’s the center from which all of our services originate. It’s where asylum seekers and families can access support, and it stands as a powerful, tangible symbol of home for asylum seekers in Maine.
The Challenge
Hope House is over 120 years old. Extreme weather and wear and tear from thousands of people accessing services have taken a toll on the building. Now is the time to address insufficient exterior property drainage and upgrade the building—enhancing overall safety features, increasing energy efficiency, improving air quality, and creating a healthy living and working space for our clients, staff, and visitors.
Hope House is a key destination for asylum seekers in Greater Portland. We hope that everyone who walks through the doors experiences a sense of home.
Since opening our doors in 2013, Hope Acts has provided housing for 145 asylum seekers at Hope House.
While the number of people who have walked through our doors in recent years is staggering, we remain deeply mindful that each person and family comes with a unique set of needs. We are not simply processing people through systems—we are caring for members of our ever-growing family.
Our Solution
The renovation of the historic 1898 building, Hope House, will enable us to better fulfill our mission of serving asylum seekers, while ensuring improved functionality and safety.
Your investment in Hope House will provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy space to live, work and gather. These upgrades will also make the building more energy efficient, lowering operating costs over time.
“My wife learned English with Hope House. She was the one who first told us how helpful working with Hope Acts had been. We received help with everything—understanding our immigration paperwork, filling out many different forms, and so much more. They even helped us find our children and get them released from a detention center. Our family is finally back together.”
—Pedro and Helene
Our Plan
Environmental
We will regrade the property and install a drainage system that directs water away from the building and ties into the city systems. Heat pumps will provide heating, cooling, and humidity control. New exhaust systems will be installed in all kitchens and bathrooms. LED fixtures will replace fluorescent lighting. Waterproofing the foundation, installing thermal insulation throughout the building, and adding new doors and windows will create a more comfortable space while reducing operating and maintenance costs.
Functionality
Improvements to residence kitchens and bathrooms will enhance functionality, improve efficiency, conserve water and energy, and reduce costly maintenance.
Safety
We will improve the safety of Hope House by installing a new fire alarm and suppression system, adding exterior lighting and security monitoring, and replacing the exterior walkways and back stairs. New fencing will provide privacy and additional security.
Improved Gathering Space
Plans for the lower level include a community space with a flexible layout to accommodate gatherings, classes, and client meetings. New flooring and furnishings will help create a welcoming and inviting environment.
Maintaining Housing During Construction
We will move all Hope House residents to other apartments nearby and continue to support them while Hope House is under construction. Our staff will also relocate to nearby office space.
Campaign News
Follow along here for the latest Beacon of Hope Campaign news and updates
Winter 2026: Hope Acts Campaign News
February 2026
Summer 2025: Hope Acts Campaign News
Summer 2025
Spring 2025: Hope Acts Campaign News
Spring 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why This Project And Why Now?
What is the purpose of the Campaign?
To raise the funds necessary to renovate Hope House - a residence for asylum seekers, creating a safe, healthy environment for people to live, work and visit.
Why is it important now?
The building was constructed more than a century ago and is in desperate need of upgrades and systems to meet current building codes and provide a safe and secure place to live for our asylum seeking clients. The building is poorly insulated and costly repairs are more frequent as the aging infrastructure breaks down. Renovations will lower maintenance costs over time.
How many asylum seekers does Hope House accommodate?
Hope House can accommodate 13 individuals in our apartments.
Renovation Timeline, Costs And Continuation Of Services
What is the timeline for renovation?
About 8 months.
How will the funds be allocated?
- Permits, professional fees, site work, demo & construction total approximately $2,225,000
- Financing comes in at about $310,000
- Fixtures and new appliances total approximately $27,000
- Resident housing during construction totals approximately $32,000
- And a small reserve will be allocated for operating shortfalls
How will Hope House address client housing needs during renovations?
All current Hope House residents are moving to permanent housing prior to the start of construction. Hope Acts will assist clients during and after their moves
What types of programs does Hope Acts offer?
- Transitional housing at Hope House
- English Language Program
- Community Housing placement and support
- Work permit clinic
- Walk-in program to address urgent needs and assist in navigating social services and immigration issues
Will services/programs continue to be provided to asylum seeking clients during renovations of the building?
Yes. Specifics include:
- HHELP classes are offered online.
- Transitional housing will continue for our asylum seeking clients currently living in Hope House.
- Work permit help will be provided at the Portland Public Library
- Hope Acts will relocate our office space as needed during construction.
Asylum And Work Permit Applications And The Economy
Who Qualifies as an Asylum Seeker?
An asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country in fear of persecution/violence and has arrived in a foreign country seeking protection.
- Their legal status is undetermined until they submit an asylum application and are granted or denied asylum.
- The average wait time for an asylum application in the US is 4.5 years
- The Boston Asylum Office (closest one to Portland, ME) has an increasing backlog of applications; in 2022, the backlog was 20,000 pending asylum applications
- Most asylum seekers arrive with few personal possessions after a long, arduous, and often dangerous journey
Can asylum seekers work while they are waiting for their asylum application to process?
Per Federal law, most asylum seekers must apply for asylum then wait at least 150 days until they are permitted to file a work permit application.
Differences to Refugees and Immigrants
Refugees have also been forced to flee their home countries in fear of persecution/violence. They are recognized by international law and accepted into a host country. An application for refugee status helps them resettle in a third country.
Immigrants have left their home country voluntarily for personal or economic reasons. Most legal immigrants obtain visas or permits for resettlement in advance of arrival.
What types of programs does Hope Acts offer?
- Workforce development and integration
- Hope House promotes stability for newly arrived asylum seekers
- Education and skill development
- We connect asylum seekers to social services such as DHHS benefits
- Promotes economic self-sufficiency
Donor Recognition
Will donors be recognized?
ADD RESPONSE HERE
May I make an anonymous gift?
Yes. If you wish to remain anonymous, we will respect your privacy.
Can I make a planned gift?
Yes, please contact Marth Stein at martha@hopeacts.org or by phone office: 207-228-1140 or 207-274-6005, cell: 207-217-4456.
May I make a multi-year pledge?
Yes, we are accepting 2-year pledges, but accommodations can be made for larger gifts.