Inspiring youth with hope:
Hope for the Holidays

Homelessness has long gripped young lives in our community, often veiled in silence. More visible in city streets, it also maintains a hidden existence with those who live among relatives and friends in crowded, temporary arrangements. While their challenges are many, perhaps the most threatening is the absence of hope.

In 1988, a Fresno social worker noticed neighborhood children moving through the holidays without the sense of joy that symbolizes the season. With the help of friends and family, a simple party became a beacon of hope and a landmark for inspiring outreach.

Hope for the Holidays has provided thousands of young people with a warm meal, a wrapped present and the assurance of a community that cares. Sponsored by Project Homeless, the annual gathering represents a broader effort involving philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations dedicated to raising awareness and increasing resources throughout the year.

The Fresno Regional Foundation receives and distributes individual and corporate donations for the event, channeling the generosity of our community to create moments of joy that distract from daily despair and build confidence for the future.