Our Story
One Gentleman. One Apartment. Hundreds of Lives Changed.
We started with 1 gentleman in 1 apartment. Today, we have 18 apartments and have served over 720 women and children.
It all began in 2008 when Brad Dinkins encountered an elderly gentleman outside a Burger King in Ocala who needed a place to stay. Brad found him an apartment, and what began as one simple act of compassion soon grew into something much bigger.
As others in the community joined the effort, Helping Hands was established as a nonprofit in 2009 with a heart to help people facing homelessness and difficult circumstances.
More Than Housing. A New Beginning.
Over the years, Helping Hands has grown into a Christ-centered ministry focused on helping vulnerable women and children build new and better lives.
Today, we provide transitional housing, transformational discipleship, and practical assistance within a caring Christian community. Our goal isn't simply to help families escape their current circumstances, but to help them overcome the challenges that brought them there.
We call it rescuing destinies and building legacies, helping families experience better hearts, better families, and better finances through the grace of God.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Every life changed is another chapter in the Helping Hands story. And with your help, there are many more chapters yet to be written.