The Trinity First Hope Center (Millville) has received its 501c3 (non-profit) status after opening in 2020. The Hope Center, overseen by Pastor Tom Stark, Pastor Jack Fosbenner, Heidi Diamond, and run by Andy Rief and Dona Stiles, is a vital outreach to an impoverished community, hit especially hard by COVID-19. A mission of First United Methodist Church, Millville, the Hope Center is supported by various other churches and denominations in and around our community, which is part of our success. The Hope Center strives to serve the needs of the people around them. This vision of hope has become a trusted beacon of light to food-insecure families and delivers food, hand-in-hand with compassion, hope, and the message of salvation. A primary success of this mission is that of building relationships with the people. We know their names, we know who they are, we care and love each one of them. When one passes from an overdose, or unfortunate motor vehicle accident, it is a loss for our community.
The Hope Center primarily serves the homeless population in Millville providing food and meals, a mailing address for persons who are homeless, an opportunity for rehab, and serving as a Code Blue facility. During the year 2021, the hope center served over 2100 meals to those in need. The Hope Center is currently in the process of securing funding and a contractor to update bathrooms and put in showers in the Hope Center.