News & Updates
Follow along for inspiring stories of transformation and community impact. Through our news and updates, we celebrate client achievements, program milestones, and volunteer contributions. Stay connected to learn about success stories, new initiatives, and upcoming events.
In the news: WeHOPE at Berryessa
CNBC recently highlighted the growing number of families and individuals living in vehicles across Silicon Valley and the urgent need for solutions that are both compassionate and practical.
WeHOPE Announces Second Annual Changemakers Appreciation Celebration
We're thrilled to invite you to our second annual Changemakers Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the beautiful Bloomhouse in East Palo Alto.
Grateful Client Story: Gladys Finds Home
Gladys moved into her own apartment in Campbell after receiving housing support from WeHOPE at Berryessa Safe Parking. She represents 146,000 adults 55+ who experienced homelessness in the U.S. in 2024—a number projected to triple by 2030.
Board Member Spotlight: Rosalynn Hughey
We're honored to introduce Rosalynn Hughey, a WeHOPE board member who has spent more than 35 years shaping the future of Silicon Valley through urban planning and civic leadership.
Victoria Garibaldi Receives Cornerstone Award for Exceptional Leadership
Councilmember David Cohen presented Victoria Garibaldi, Program Manager at WeHOPE at Berryessa Safe Parking Program, with the Cornerstone Award—a recognition that honors her transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to our community.
Triumph Over Adversity: John DeLeon’s Journey from Homelessness to Stability
After enduring years of homelessness, John DeLeon has successfully turned his life around with the dedicated support of WeHOPE case managers and a housing navigator. During his time at the Berryessa Safe Parking program, John achieved a major milestone, becoming fully document-ready.
A New Beginning: David’s Path to Permanent Housing
After years of living in a dilapidated RV, David Samples arrived at WeHOPE's Jerrold Commons on April 24, 2025, with determination in his heart. Just five months later, on September 24, he moved into his own permanent home—a transformation made possible through the partnership between David and his case manager, Jeevika.
WeHOPE's Family Harvest Program Celebrates Milestone
For over 15 years, WeHOPE has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley to address food insecurity in San Mateo County. What began as Kids N.O.W (Nutrition on the Weekend), providing healthy snacks to school-aged children on Thursdays, has evolved into the comprehensive Family Harvest program that operates every Tuesday, offering essential nutritious items including dairy, protein and produce.
WeHOPE Announces Annual Seeds of Hope Fundraiser: Cultivating the Seed
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. - We Help Other People Excel (WeHOPE) is pleased to announce its annual fundraising event, Seeds of Hope - Cultivating the Seed, presented by Stanford Health Care. This inspiring gathering will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City. It will spotlight the organization's substantial growth and expanded impact over the past year.
Stories of Hope: Courage, Loss, and Recovery
Carlos first came to WeHOPE marred with trauma and grief, and caught in the throes of the immigration system. His apartment building had caught fire, leaving him in a coma and without any personal belongings. The fire forced Carlos to miss his immigration hearing, upending his application for permanent residency and igniting his hard-fought journey to citizenship and employment.
Meet Suzanne Heikal, Development Coordinator at WeHOPE
Suzanne Heikal, WeHOPE's development coordinator, helps connect the heart of WeHOPE's mission with the community that supports us. From managing fundraising campaigns to building donor relationships, Suzanne's work ensures that hope isn't just an idea—it's something we actively build together.
WeHOPE Changemakers: Celebrating the Heart of Our Community - YOU!
Mark your calendars for a special evening dedicated to celebrating YOU - the incredible donors and volunteers who make WeHOPE's mission possible. On Thursday, August 21st, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, we invite you to join us at the beautiful Bloomhouse in East Palo Alto for our Changemakers Appreciation Celebration.
Impact Through The Numbers: Hearts, Hands, and Hope in Action
Behind every number is a story of transformation. Our case managers worked tirelessly with individuals and families, creating personalized pathways to stability. Meanwhile, our Dignity on Wheels team traveled throughout the region, providing essential services with compassion and respect.
Meet Andrea Taber, Housing Navigator and Community Liaison
Get to know Andrea Taber, one of our incredible employees at WeHOPE at Coast House in Half Moon Bay. A dedicated Housing Navigator and Community Liaison, Andrea has been making a meaningful impact in our community for over three years. Her creativity, innovative approach to finding housing solutions, and passion for community collaboration have been invaluable to the Coast House and the individuals we serve.
100,000 Loads of Dignity - A WeHOPE Milestone
We've Reached 100,000 Laundry Loads Served! On Monday, July 14, 2025, we celebrated a remarkable milestone at WeHOPE: our Dignity on Wheels program has officially completed 100,000 laundry loads for our unhoused neighbors. Since launching in 2015, this initiative has grown from a simple idea into a transformative service bringing essential hygiene directly to those who need it most.
WeHOPE's Natalie Walker Named 2025 Woman of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal
We are proud to announce that our very own Natalie Walker, Director of Development at WeHOPE, has been named a 2025 Woman of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal. This prestigious recognition celebrates women leaders who are making significant impacts in their fields and communities.
WeHOPE Empowers Lives: 7 Graduates Showcase Impact of Development Programs
WeHOPE recently hosted a graduation ceremony honoring seven clients who successfully completed our comprehensive training programs. The celebration included a special ceremony and reception, recognizing the meaningful connections formed and the remarkable journeys of our graduates.
From Private Investigator to Unhoused
Tony Stefanac’s life was once a tapestry woven with purpose, pride, and promise. In the early 2000s, he led a private security company in Vietnam, thriving in a role that gave him both professional fulfillment and a deep sense of stability. But as life so often does, it threw a wrench into Tony's plans. His family, once his greatest source of joy, began to unravel.
Overcoming Impossible Barriers with Charisse King
Charisse King found herself at the Monarch without a home and in constant pain from her right leg. Her paperwork for housing wasn't complete, and her medical situation needed immediate attention. Through it all, Charisse kept moving forward, working with case managers and seeking medical help.
Berryessa Safe Parking Program Update: A Community Success Story
WeHOPE at Berryessa Safe Parking Program continues to demonstrate remarkable success in providing essential services to our community members experiencing vehicular homelessness. Operating at full capacity with approximately 130 participants, the site has become a beacon of hope and stability for participants.

