A girl from Jacksonville founded a nonprofit to help people without homes. Six years later, her mission remains strong

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 16-year-old continues her mission to help the homeless in Jacksonville by hosting her annual coat drive.

There was a steady stream of drop-offs Saturday morning at All People International Church on Edgewood Avenue.

Hannah’s Hope House, a charity Hannah Hall set up six years ago, collects coats and other personal items for people in need.

Hall started this effort when she was 10 years old to help people who are currently homeless or on the brink of it.

“It’s actually a beacon of hope. That’s why I chose that name. It shows that even if you are in the situation you were in, you can’t give up because there is always hope,” Hall said.

This collection consists not only of jackets, but also of other items such as shoes, socks, rarely worn clothing, hats and blankets.

“I thought that because I’m blessed with everything I have, I can reach people who aren’t as fortunate as I am,” Hall said.

In addition to the coat collection, Hall is working on another major project.

She said her goal is to open a Hannah’s Hope service center sometime next year as she and those involved with the charity look for the right building to buy or rent.

“So the homeless can come in, get a hot shower and a hot meal and maybe a place to stay the night. And being able to find jobs to be able to get out of the situation that they’re in,” Hall said.

For now, Hall says this work is very rewarding.

“It means I’m doing what I came on this earth to do and that’s helping people,” Hall said.

Hall said people have one more chance to drop off donations at All People International Church on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The giveaway of the items collected will be this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the City Rescue Mission in downtown Jacksonville.