Bigger, Better, Faster

Over the next year, program leaders say they hope to increase the legitimacy of HOP as a community organization, by streamlining the program, raising more funds, recruiting new volunteers and focusing on outreach.

"We hope to rebuild a large fund and want to make more connections with the community," says Michelle S. Lee '03, the program director. "[We want to] legitimize our organization--we don't want to be seen as [just] a student group."

Group organizers recently restructured the program. Lee heads the organization, while Stephanie C. Stallings '02, the program coordinator, works directly below her.

The group now also includes three committees focusing on specific task areas, including fundraising, public relations and client loans.

Varsha Ghosh, a director of programs at the Phillips Brooks House Association, has helped in the restructuring process.

She says the program's current efforts at internal reform will further the group's goals of raising more funds, recruiting more volunteers and establishing a more prominent community presence.

"I've really been encouraged by this new programming staff," she says. "They've been incredibly forward thinking in looking at the program's structure. They're very proactive in looking at the long-term and ensuring its sustainability."