Our History

As told by Sara Trollinger, Founder.

For 15 years (of my 25 years teaching) I taught emotionally handicapped teenagers in the Orange County school system and at a state juvenile detention center.  During one of my early-morning prayer times, I cried out to God and asked Him what could be done. In His still small voice, He spoke to me and said: “Sara, I want you to start a place and call it House of Hope.” This would be our opportunity to teach Christian principles to teenagers, help heal their hurts and, through the power of Jesus Christ, help change the lives of young people and their parents permanently!

We had no money… no house…no facility, but I had a vision and knew God was directing (Psalm 32:8). One day as I was praying, seeking God about a location, the name of a lady came strongly to my mind, and I felt impressed to call her. I called and asked her if she might know of a location for a home we could use for teenagers. She referred me to a couple who was getting ready to sell their property. After seeing the site and talking with the lady, we immediately knew this was to be the future site of House of Hope.

The community began to become aware of what we were doing and of the great need for this unique home. Carpenters donated material and labor; plumbers, electricians, painters, repairmen, etc. rallied to God’s calling. One house on the property had a huge hole in the roof. Early one morning, as I arrived at HOH, five men were on top of the house, building a new roof! These men were unknown to us…but known to God!

Our doors to House of Hope in Orlando – now the National House of Hope Affiliate model – opened August 22, 1985. Just exactly what we needed: beds; furniture; appliances; dishes; linens; pots and pans; clothing, etc. came from individuals, organizations, and churches.