Our History

From a Small Food Pantry to a Family Resource Center

Christian Helping Hands began in 1996 as a simple food pantry serving families in need in Comanche and the surrounding communities. What started as a small effort to provide emergency food assistance has grown into a network of programs that support individuals and families through many of life’s challenges.

For nearly three decades, Christian Helping Hands has continued to grow in response to the needs of the community—expanding from food assistance to clothing support, housing programs, educational opportunities, and family-centered services.

A New Beginning in 2009

In 2009, Christian Helping Hands was on the brink of closing when new leadership stepped forward with a renewed vision and a heart to care for the community. As the organization began to stabilize, new programs were developed to meet needs that became increasingly visible.

The Clothes Closet opened in 2010, providing clothing, shoes, and household essentials to individuals and families at no cost. Furnished entirely through community donations, the Clothes Closet quickly became a vital resource for families in need.

Expanding to Housing Support

In 2011, a home was donated to the organization, allowing a single mother and her two children to move in. This act of generosity launched what would become the organization’s housing program.

Later that same year, a second house was donated and renovated, expanding the program in 2012. In 2013, the Clothes Closet moved from a house into a 4,000-square-foot building donated by the Odd Fellows of Oklahoma. The original house that had served as the Clothes Closet was then converted into another housing unit, bringing the total to three homes available to help individuals at risk of homelessness.

Meeting Growing Needs

As food insecurity increased in both Stephens and Jefferson counties, Christian Helping Hands continued expanding its food assistance efforts. In 2014, the organization was given the former Pannell’s Grocery Store building, providing a much larger space for the food pantry to operate and serve more families.

In 2017, Christian Helping Hands also opened a food pantry in Waurika to serve Jefferson County residents. One year later, that pantry was transitioned to leadership within the Waurika community so it could continue serving local families.

The Story Behind Heather’s Hope Housing

As the housing program developed, it became clear that many women experiencing homelessness were coming from incarceration, addiction recovery programs, or unstable living situations. Re-entering society and rebuilding stability proved difficult without strong support systems.

In 2016, Heather Phillips joined the Christian Helping Hands team. Drawing from her own experiences with incarceration, rehabilitation, and addiction recovery, Heather helped strengthen and shape the housing program. Her honesty, encouragement, and hope for others inspired meaningful changes.

Heather envisioned a place where women could live together in a supportive environment while rebuilding their lives. Her vision led to the creation of the Community House, which opened in 2017 and provides housing for women seeking a second chance.

Although Heather did not live to see the Community House open, her influence continues today. In honor of her impact, the housing program was renamed Heather’s Hope Housing, ensuring that her story continues to inspire hope for others walking a similar path.

Building Long-Term Stability for Families

As the housing program grew, Christian Helping Hands recognized that many families needed more time and support to regain stability. In 2019, construction began on long-term family homes designed to support mothers and children transitioning into independence.

Today, the program includes six family homes and one transitional house. Families can live in these homes for up to three years in a safe, affordable environment while working toward long-term stability.

The focus of the program continues to expand to include mentoring, accountability, and opportunities for families to build healthy and sustainable futures.

The Hope Center

In 2023, Christian Helping Hands remodeled a church building located on the housing property to create the Hope Center.

The Hope Center now serves as a gathering place for education, support, and community programs. Through classes, mentorship, and connection, the Hope Center provides opportunities for individuals and families to grow, learn new skills, and build stronger foundations for the future.

Serving the Community Together

Christian Helping Hands continues to build partnerships across the community. One example is the partnership with the City of Comanche to support the Senior Nutrition Center.

Through this partnership, the organization provides food support for over 40 seniors who receive daily nutritious meals. Additionally, 18 meals are delivered each day to homebound seniors in the community.

Continuing to Grow

Since 2009, Christian Helping Hands has experienced tremendous growth. What began as a small food pantry has become a network of programs designed to support individuals and families through many different stages of life.

Today, Christian Helping Hands operates as a Family Resource Center, bringing together food assistance, clothing support, housing programs, educational opportunities, and family services under one mission.

While the programs continue to grow and evolve, the heart behind the work remains the same: to share hope and create pathways for change that improve the lives of individuals, families, and the community.

Because every time a family is strengthened, the entire community grows stronger.