




Our Approach
Our goal is not only to rescue, but to walk with the poor and marginalized that are experiencing homelessness. We provide personal attention and offer immediate and direct benefits to children, families and the aging that they may live with dignity as they work toward achieving their goals through the “Housing First” model, www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/what-is-housing-first.
We begin by building and fostering relationships of mutual respect with county and state agencies as well as working with other community organizations to create a setting of compassion and service.
Our Story
It all began with one person that changed our thoughts about homelessness. Some of us have been close to homelessness and wouldn't want anyone to have to endear it alone.
In 2014 a small group of concerned citizens decided to come together and start the processes of making homelessness known in Cape May County. We pushed forward to make changes and bring the Homeless Trust Fund to Cape May County.
We will not stop till laws are changed and people are in permanent housing.
Love Like Jesus Would
How would I love you if I loved you like Jesus did?
This is a question we must dare to answer. Are we able to love that deep, that wide and with all our verve? This is what we are called to do. Matthew 22:38, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and strength and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Not only in Matthew are we instructed to demonstrate this abundance of love, but also in euteronomy, Luke, and Mark, making it a statement worth repeating. Jesus gave an example of how he loved people when He fed the 5,000, mostly Jews, and again when He feed the 4,000, mostly gentiles, proving He loved the whole world. The work we do in our community does make a difference, and you can be a part of it too. Offering something as simple as a “cup of cold water” is significant in helping someone feel important and cared for. Supportive housing is a crucial structure that creates a stable foundation upon which families can begin to rebuild their lives. It is not in any way a band-aid approach to solving Cape May County’s homeless problem. Having a place to call home fosters responsivity and enthusiasm, rather than negativity and despondence. It requires those who agree to enter into this program to become active in the role of overcoming the obstacles and circumstances which caused their homelessness and to embrace the present opportunities and reach for the future. We have learned that a one-size fits all approach doesn’t provide the level of assistance we strive for and is ineffective. The reasons our community members struggle with homelessness are as diverse as the community itself. Cape Hope strives to create programs which are tailor-made to fit the individual needs of the client, and which have the same goal in mind - sustainability. We surround the client/family with services such as education and employment services, addiction recovery, child-care and most importantly, housing. Having a place to live, but no job to pay rent means the place won’t be yours for very long. Similarly, before having a stable home life, mental and medical issues require immediate attention. We want to make sure that today’s third-graders don’t become victims of homelessness in 20 years, we want to see that they have what they need to be engaged and successful in their community. This year, Cape Hope is honored to offer for the first time the “Hope for Tomorrow” scholarship in the amount of $250. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has struggled with homelessness yet continues to fight toward a bright tomorrow. We want to become a part of this student future successes and support their educational needs and dreams. Supportive housing is a cornerstone program, which, although temporary, provides meaningful, compassionate, and effective programs to the clients, which in turn add to a healthy community. Supportive housing, however, isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Providing housing for people struggling with homelessness doesn’t magically resolve the situation, and it isn’t a permanent solution. When we take the long view of how best to help our clients, Cape Hope looks at the ways in which we help people both before and after they are placed in a program. Our goal is that our clients would not need us any more. There are so many ways to get involved, and every act of compassion makes a difference in the lives of those within our community.
Please visit our website www. capehopecares.org. or call (609) 997-1794 to speak to a representative.
Best regards,
Denise Venturini-South,
Director
Cape Hope
Meet the Team

Denise South
Director
dventurini105@yahoo.com

Jeff Thomson
Communications
capehopecares@gmail.com

Sister MARY ANN MULZET, SSJ
Spiritual Committee Chair

CHRIS SOUTH
Recording Secretary

Marty Montgomery
Assistant Director
capehopecares@gmail.com

Pastor Brad Boyer
Chaplain for Men
pastorbrad@capecommunitychurch.org

Barbara Allison
Chair of the Education and Awareness Committee
capehopecares@gmail.com

Dani Barnsby
Bylaws
capehopecares@gmail.com

Kris Marlowe
Capitol Projects
Krismarlowe@verizon.net
Gary Cardaci
Fundraising
capehopecares@gmail.com
Joan Dollinger
Correspondence Secretary
capehopecares@gmail.com

Maria Repici
Grants
capehopecares@gmail.com
Claudia Kammer
Treasurer
capehopecares@gmail.com
Karen Keenan
Assistant Treasurer
capehopecares@gmail.com
Gary Cardaci
Fundraising
capehopecares@gmail.com