About the Founder

I am Ashley’s mom.  Much like many homeless individuals, my beautiful daughter had difficulty navigating life due to her mental illness and chose to live on the streets.  She was a pretty, petite girl with no “street smarts”.  We worried endlessly about her safety and wellbeing.

When Ashley was a teenager, she loved to wear the latest styles.  Abercrombie jeans and Nike’s were some of her favorites.  She was always concerned about the way she looked; she wanted to look pretty and “cool” and clothing was very important to her.

Like many of our county’s homeless, she often went without shelter, clean clothes, food, drink and personal hygiene items.  Somehow, however, she managed to live homeless for 8 years…until that tragic night when she was killed at the young age of 25, trying to cross the freeway.

Since Ashley’s death, we have been providing homeless individuals with clean, gently worn clothing and accessories at no cost.  This population deserves more than they receive from public agencies and other service organizations.  Many have been cast aside by society.  We at Ashley’s Hope are dedicated to help them in regaining dignity and hope by providing them with clothing and other essential items.

The people we serve belong to families.  They are parents, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and grandchildren.  No one in our city should have to go without clean clothing, let alone go without shelter.  We are here to help change that.

Operating Ashley’s Hope has allowed me to turn my extreme pain into purpose.  Ashley would be happy and proud that she is the inspiration for us helping others suffering the same as she did.  The greatest gift I received from Ashley was unconditional love and I’m able to give it back to the people we serve.

Love keeps Hope anchored.  God is love.