Hour of HOPE: A Spiritual Prayer Program for Homeless Adults

Abstract

Self-expression of one’s life history within the context of a spiritual program focused on prayer may be important to homeless adults. We explored a 22 weekly evening one hour program called Hour of HOPE (Hearing Other People’s Experiences), with working poor adult women and men living within an affluent suburb to a major metropolitan US city. Participants (n = 7) and team leaders (n = 7) completed a very brief open-ended survey asking the most/least helpful session, what should be retained or changed moving forward, and a reason why they felt someone should participate. Response rate was low, but overall emerged themes were extremely positive. Individuals felt that this program gave them a voice, a place where their life story could be heard and expresses in a safe setting. Implications for expanding similar spiritual programs among homeless adults are discussed.