The City of Temecula and the surrounding region are known for their rolling hills, famous vineyards, welcoming neighborhoods and vibrant small‑town charm. Beneath this picturesque landscape lies a growing challenge, less visible than the valley views but deeply felt by many residents.
Like many communities across the Inland Empire, residents in Temecula are struggling with the rising cost of living. Housing prices, childcare, healthcare, food costs and everyday essentials have increased faster than many families can keep up with. Nearly one in four households in Southwest Riverside County does not earn enough to meet the real cost of basic needs. As inflation and high housing costs continue to impact the region, more families are one unexpected hardship away from crisis.
Mission Hope exists because of this reality.
Founded in 1983 as Thessalonika Family Services, Mission Hope has grown into one of the community’s most dependable safety nets. Based in Temecula and serving Southwest Riverside County, the nonprofit organization partners with the community to provide access to healthy food, stable housing and supportive resources that empower individuals and families to live a healthier life.
In the past year, Mission Hope saw a 37% increase in neighbors seeking support, rising from 400 to about 550 households served each month, with April 2026 reaching 581 households.
“We are seeing the need every day here at Mission Hope,” shared Heather Sanford, CEO of Mission Hope. “Hardworking families choosing between rent and groceries, seniors deciding whether to pay for medication or transportation and young parents struggling to keep their children housed and fed.”
Through their dedicated volunteer network of over 500 volunteers, Mission Hope serves over 10,000 community members annually through four core programs designed to lift people beyond crisis and toward long‑term stability.
- Hope Food Pantry -Operating three days a week, the Pantry distributes over one million pounds of nutritious food annually. Families receive produce, dairy, proteins, and pantry staples. Homebound seniors and school campuses also benefit through delivery programs. “Hope Packs,” including ready‑to‑eat meals and hygiene items, support neighbors experiencing homelessness.
- Hope Resource Center – As the organization’s hub of support, the Center provides case management, employment and benefits navigation, and referrals through strong partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Project TOUCH and local churches.
- Hope Family Housing – Families experiencing housing instability receive safe, furnished homes paired with personalized case management and life‑skills development.
- Empowerment Village – This supportive shared housing program for single mothers and young children has transformed lives. In the past year, 100% of graduates moved into permanent housing. Mothers gain stability, build savings, improve credit, pursue education, and secure employment while receiving wraparound support.
One graduate came to Mission Hope nearly two years ago, holding the hands of her three young children after her life was turned upside down. She went from being married, living in a stable home, and raising her family to being a single mom facing housing instability with no clear idea of what would come next.
Each morning began with the same overwhelming questions: Where will we sleep tonight? How will I feed my kids today?
“When families are worried about shelter and food, there is little room left for planning, healing, or even catching their breath,” shared Sanford. “However, this mom did not come to Mission Hope asking for a handout. She came asking for help finding a path forward.”
Mission Hope offered her a chance to enter the Empowerment Village, where she received safe, stable housing, weekly access to fresh, healthy food, case management, financial literacy education, career support, and individualized goal planning.
With stability in place, she focused on rebuilding her future. Within weeks, she secured employment. Over time, she improved her financial stability, enrolled in school to continue her education, and created a strong foundation for her family. Her children finally had consistency, safety, and the chance to thrive.
This young woman graduated from the program, moved into permanent housing, is employed full-time, and is finishing her college degree. Her children are healthy, stable, and doing well in school. She found the hope she was looking for. This is one of hundreds of stories showing how addressing basic needs and providing intentional wraparound services can help individuals or families move from struggling to thriving.
Support from the IEHP Foundation has helped Mission Hope scale its response to rising needs. Through a 2025 Responsive Grant, the organization purchased a box truck with a lift gate, significantly increasing its capacity to pick up and distribute fresh, healthy food across the region. This truck ensures that more families receive the nutrition they need while reducing food waste and expanding community partnerships.
Through compassionate, comprehensive services, Mission Hope ensures that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to find stability, dignity and most importantly, find hope.
Mission Hope is a Funded Champion for Vibrant Health through a 2025 Responsive Grant and participated in the Vibrant Health Fundraising Program (2025) and Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Cohort (2026).