We all need the support of others, but where do people turn when they don't have a family or friends to help? A care home in Columbia fills this need, and now you can help it continue its mission.

"Our Home of Hope provides a warm, welcoming home to individuals who may be in need of a little extra care and support," said Robin Gamby, the home's executive director. "Located in Columbia, we offer 30 residents 24/7, care including all meals, laundry service, cleaning, medication assistance and transportation to doctor visits, all with Christian compassion - all the comforts and care that a loved one would have provided."

People can support Our Home of Hope through in-kind donations, contribution to the nonprofit's endowment fund, giving of assets, leaving a gift in a will or simply providing a treat for the residents.

The home also invites the community to a meat bingo fundraiser to be held on Saturday, May 30, at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and bingo will begin at 1 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Little's Beverage Distributor, 1224 Lancaster Ave., Columbia; through board or staff members of Our Home of Hope; or through Venmo at @OHOHRG. If paying electronically, make a note that it's for bingo and include your name to pick up your ticket at the door.

Thanks to the vision of John and Mable Hershey, the former private Cherry Street Guest Home was converted into the nonprofit Our Home of Hope Inc. in 2017 so funds could be received to help underwrite the shortfall between the residents' income and the cost of operating the facility.

"The Hersheys saved the home, with the help of many family, friends and businesses who believed in their mission," Gamby shared.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities, minor mental health challenges or a need for just a little extra support are welcome at Our Home of Hope.

"Our residents receive the care they need to thrive with a sense of purpose," Gamby said. "On an average day, you will see residents walking around town, playing cards or enjoying staff- or volunteer-led activities and exercise. The residents also enjoy taking care of two blocks in Columbia through the borough's Adopt-a-Block program."

Gamby encourages people to support the nonprofit and to see their gifts in action at an open house. It will be held at Our Home of Hope from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and it will include a tour of the home and opportunities to visit with residents.

"Thanks to many generous donors and volunteers, we are able to provide the residents with a loving home," Gamby said. "The home has been blessed with many volunteers who love to entertain the residents or help with work projects. Thanks to the generous donation of a 15-passenger bus from St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, the residents will be able to enjoy trips this summer to go shopping, enjoy a country drive or their favorite - ice cream."

She emphasized that, since residents of the home are often economically disadvantaged, the nonprofit relies on the generosity of the community to help Our Home of Hope maintain its high standard of care.

"We are also grateful to be the recipient of several grants this past year, and we continue to apply for grants for other needs of the home, for a generator; new interior railing; additional security cameras; new furniture, such as metal dressers; and new dining room chairs," Gamby said.

To streamline the donation process, the nonprofit has created a link to advertise its needs. It may be found at https://ourhomeofhope.com/donate.

"We have been blessed by the generosity of the community that provides items that also help reduce our operating expenses," Gamby said. "On behalf of all of our residents, staff and board, we thank our supporters for helping us provide our amazing residents with a home filled with hope."

For more information, visit http://www.ourhomeofhope.com. For additional details on the upcoming bingo, visit the home's Facebook page by searching for "Our Home of Hope, Inc."