The Foundation for Homeless and Poverty Management (FHPM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a majority African American board and leadership team, founded in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As communities across the nation faced unprecedented hardship from shutdowns, job losses, and social isolation, the urgent need for grassroots support and resource coordination became undeniable.

It was during this critical moment that FHPM was formally established. We assembled our founding board, secured our nonprofit status, and launched our mission: to combat homelessness and poverty with a focus on equity and dignity.

The events of 2020—including the global pandemic and the national reckoning with racial injustice following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others—underscored the deep ties between systemic racism, economic hardship, and housing insecurity. These realities shaped our approach and deepened our commitment to serve those most impacted.

In response to the growing housing crisis, FHPM partnered with Kitsap County to distribute rental assistance, prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) households. Through direct outreach and community engagement, we helped families access support and avoid eviction. By the end of 2020, we had distributed over $300,000 in emergency rental aid to 50 households experiencing COVID-related hardship.

Building on this momentum, in 2022, we acquired the Rejuvenation Community Day Center (RCDC) and launched The Upper House, a safe space that offers essential services and relief from extreme weather. These facilities have supported over 200 individuals with food, clothing, and temporary shelter—serving as a launchpad toward greater stability.

FHPM has also invested in youth and families. With the help of grants, we launched a summer tutoring program for students experiencing homelessness, offering meals and academic support. We also created a welcoming location for individuals to connect with representatives from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), helping them access TANF, EBT, and other vital services.

By 2023, FHPM had secured over $100,000 in grant funding and continued to grow through community support, in-kind donations, and expanded referral partnerships. Renovations to the lower level of our facility began that year, enhancing our ability to deliver more comprehensive and accessible services.

Today, FHPM moves forward with an unwavering commitment to our mission and our slogan:

“Helping people thrive, not just survive.”

We envision a future free from homelessness and poverty, where individuals and families have the opportunity to rebuild, dream, and flourish. Your partnership as a board member is vital to achieving that vision and driving meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.