Houses of Hope
Houses of Hope
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A Program of The O’Neill Foundation of Hope
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At The O’Neill Foundation of Hope, our work is rooted in faith and guided by the teachings of Jesus, who met people in moments of hardship with compassion, dignity, and love.
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We believe every person is created by God with inherent worth, and that stable housing is often the foundation needed to rebuild a life. When individuals or families experience housing instability, the stress of survival can make it difficult to plan, save, or move forward. Houses of Hope exists to offer time, stability, and dignity during those critical moments.
What We Do
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Houses of Hope provides one year of rent-free transitional housing in single-family houses in the Twin Cities. Each household is given a full 12 months of stability—time to save money, rebuild financially, strengthen credit, and prepare for permanent housing.
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Homes are located in residential neighborhoods and are intentionally not shelters or congregate housing. Residents live as tenants, care for the house as their own, and work toward a successful transition at the end of the year.
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The Foundation plans to add more homes over time to this program, allowing the program to grow thoughtfully and responsibly.
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Our Houses Today and Looking Ahead
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Today, Houses of Hope includes one active home, with plans already underway to grow.
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The Bob and Kathy O’Neill House of Hope — our first home and the foundation of this program
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St. Brigid House — coming the Spring of 2026
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As additional houses are added, each will be named with the same care and intention.
Resident Expectations and Support
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Houses of Hope is not simply housing—it is a one-year opportunity for stability, effort, and growth.
Residents are expected to:
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Be working, actively seeking employment, or taking steps to improve employability
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Save money consistently during their year in the program
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Work toward improving financial habits and credit
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Care for the home as their own and follow standard lease expectations
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Actively plan for permanent housing following the program year​
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The Foundation does not expect residents to do this alone. We provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability, helping residents set goals, track progress, and make wise financial decisions during their stay.
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This partnership is built on mutual respect and shared commitment—the Foundation provides the stability, and residents commit to growth.
Why We Name the Houses After Saints
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Each house is named after a saint whose life reflects faith lived through action—offering inspiration, purpose, and a reminder that this work is rooted in something greater than housing alone.
The saints we choose represent values central to Houses of Hope:
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Welcome and hospitality
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Compassion and dignity
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Renewal and hope
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Responsibility and growth
Why St. Brigid
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St. Brigid House is named for Saint Brigid of Kildare, a saint known for hospitality, care for the poor, and opening her doors to those in need.
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St. Brigid created places of refuge where people could rest, be treated with dignity, and begin again. She was chosen intentionally because her life reflects exactly what Houses of Hope seeks to offer: a safe place to rebuild, paired with the expectation to move forward.
Why We Do It
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Housing instability is often caused by unexpected and temporary hardship—job loss, illness, family disruption, or financial crisis. What many people need most is time.
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By removing rent for one year, Houses of Hope provides the breathing room individuals and families need to regain stability, pursue meaningful work, restore dignity, and move forward with confidence, supported by faith, effort, and community.
Get Involved
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We invite you to join us through prayer, partnership, or support—helping turn faith into action and hope into lasting change.
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(Donate • Sponsor a House • Partner With Us • Refer a Household)
