About Helping Hands, Open Hearts

OUR MISSION

To assist the unhoused, the elderly and the children in the communities we serve through weekly food distributions, clothing drives, back to school supplies, financial resources and more. We provide services to our community with dignity and respect, using the two most important things needed when servicing others:

Helping Hands and Open Hearts

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rosalind-Bryant-CEO

Rosalind Bryant

CEO & Founder, and a little bit of everything!

Proudly Serving Since 2013

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is your favorite HHOH Event?

I think Thankful Thursday is my favorite event. I love everything we do, but sometimes it's just the raw basics. When you are out in the streets, and the people know you, and appreciate you for the simple things, like a fruit cup, it touches me and keeps me humble. 

What is your favorite quote?

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

What are you currently drinking?

Sweet Tea

Amira-A-Gonzalez-board-member

Amira Ailabouni Gonzalez

Board Member

Proudly Serving Since 2018

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is your favorite HHOH Event?

This is a tough question for me as I love them all for different reasons. We serve those in need face to face, meeting them right there where they are, feeling their emotions, the highs and lows, all of it. And the feelings of victories and successes when we have the items we are in need of.

What is your favorite quote?

"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

What are you currently drinking?
Red Wine

Christy-Coffman-board-member

Christy Coffman

Board Member

Proudly Serving Since 2016

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is your favorite HHOH Event?

My favorite HHOH event is always when we serve at Tent City, especially in the winter months. I love putting what is needed in literal hands when they need it. The Wall of Love is my second favorite

What is your favorite quote?

"Be the change you want to see in the world". ~ Ghandi

What are you currently drinking?

Dr Pepper

 

 

 

Melanie Harris

Melanie Harris

Board Member

Proudly Serving Since 2023

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is your favorite HHOH Event?

My favorite HHOH event is Christmas Wishes! It fosters holiday cheer and connection, while still addressing the needs of the community. We simultaneously provide a bit of a "break" to those that would not otherwise receive it. Holiday festivities just have a way of sparking joy!

What is your favorite quote?

"Humanity is not defined by our individual achievements or possessions, but by our capacity to care for and uplift one another." ~Belle Hooks

What are you currently drinking?
Water

HISTORY OF HHOH DALLAS

Helping Hands, Open Hearts was started by Rosalind L. Bryant in 2005. Feeding the homeless was a family activity she participated in as a child. Her parents would cook up great amounts of food several times a year. The family would then load up the car in go under the bridges of Downtown Dallas. They would set up their car like a buffet table and feed the people until they ran out. 

Rosalind picked up the family tradition again in 2005. She begin having Holiday Drives (Valentine’s, Thanksgiving, & Christmas) to gain donations. Every second Saturday after her life skills class at The Family Gateway; she would go to the Day Resource Center on Ervay and pass out chips, water, and cookies. During the Holiday months she would pass out sandwiches. 

HHOH-food-tables
HHOH-volunteers-in-holiday-hats

In 2008 the feedings started growing and she moved her feeding location to the Dallas Public Library. At that time Rosalind discovered she needed certification from The City of Dallas. Each year she attends a Food Safety Training Class and receives a Homeless Food Handlers Permit. In 2011 the feedings increased again and Rosalind started feeding at two locations: The Dallas Public Library and The Bridge. After several years of feeding on the streets alone (on occasions with family members), she developed a small team of dedicated volunteers and regular donors. 

In 2013, Rosalind’s hobby of giving became a happy reality of an organization. Helping Hands, Open Hearts became a non-profit. HHOH now serves weekly with Terrific Tuesdays and Thankful Thursday meals. Every second Saturday is Distribution Day. Quarterly we visit and serve at Tent City (locations many vary). We also serve the DFW community in various capacities and with different projects throughout the year.

COMMUNITY TESTIMONIALS

COMING SOON!

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY

Download Our Statement Here