Helping Outreach Programs to Expand (HOPE)

OVC directly supports grassroots victim service efforts. The HOPE grant program provides grassroots community-based victim organizations and coalitions with up to $5,000 to network, develop programs, build coalitions, and deliver services. Faith-based victim service programs are eligible to apply for these grants and to use the funds to develop and disseminate brochures, newsletters, and other victim-related materials to the community; to provide financial support for advocates and volunteers to attend victim-related training conferences; and to support a 24-hour crisis counseling hotline. Some innovative uses of HOPE funding include establishing a support crisis hotline; offering SMILE Bags that contain personal care items, stuffed toys, books, and so forth for women and children who are victims; and supporting National Crime Victims' Rights Week activities.

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