History of HELP

Founded in 1982 by eleven charter member congregations, HELP has grown to include over 60 congregations in the City of Hampton and Newport News.

HELP is a faith-based organization supported by member congregations, schools, businesses, civic clubs and organizations in conjunction with the area cities.  Together we have made great strides in providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, a winter shelter program, food, financial assistance, healthcare and dental care to those in need.

Over the years, HELP has grown dramatically both in the number of volunteers and people it serves in various ministries.  Together we have made a difference in literally thousands of lives.  Thus we have made our community a better place for all citizens.

History of the Clinic

It all started with a hand shake. In May 2001, the Dr. Richard F. Clark Hampton Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions (HELP) Medical Clinic opened its doors.  Dr. Richard Clark, a local pathologist, saw the need for a medical clinic to serve the uninsured in our community.

Through his relationships at Sentara, the clinic first opened for services at the Hampton Health Department.  The Health Department allowed the HELP Clinic to open two evenings per week.  The Steering Committee continued to recruit local physicians to volunteer at the clinic as well as nurses and nurse practitioners.  Over these past ten years invaluable partnerships have been formed and maintained in support of the clinic and the patients we serve. The clinic is also a member of the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and receives state budgeted funds because of our membership. The clinic is home to over 250 patients and in just one year provided over $400,000 in medical services and medication to those patients.  Thank you, Dr. Clark and the HELP Clinic Steering Committee, for making this ministry a reality for the thousands of patients served since 2001.