About

Hope for Homies was established in 2014 by founder Jose ‘Neaners’ Garcia, shortly after his release from prison. During his time incarcerated, Garcia experienced a life-changing vision he called "Harvesting Hope," which became the first draft of the organization. He envisioned a place where vulnerable youth could find safety, healing, community, and a path to a better future.

Garcia understood that his own lived experience was essential for building authentic kinship. His calling was rooted in the belief that lasting, systemic change occurs when people change, and people change when they are cherished. This philosophy guides our work to connect with others and help them break the destructive cycles they were born into.

 

Relational and Comprehensive Services

 

The organization is fundamentally relational. Mentors and staff actively "hit the streets" to build trust and relationships with gang-affiliated youth, supporting individuals from age ten up through young adulthood. Neaners states, “I walk with homies as they heal from their past, offer forgiveness, and learn to love themselves. I try to lead through example and live in unity.”

Hope for Homies offers a complete-spectrum of care to remove barriers and facilitate successful reintegration:

• Re-Entry and Life Skills: Mentors support kids while they are still in prison and immediately upon release, setting up jobs, securing stable housing, and teaching critical skills like driving to ensure employment access.

• Healing and Wellness: The program includes mandatory mentoring groups where participants are expected to share struggles and progress. We promote holistic health through activities like weekly summer hikes and community gardening, teaching participants how to grow vegetables and eat well.

• Restoration of Opportunity: In a uniquely impactful service, Hope for Homies removes more tattoos than any other regional organization. This focus is critical for removing face tattoos and other visible identifiers that prevent individuals from securing employment.

The work of Hope for Homies proves that when individuals are seen, valued, and provided with comprehensive support, they can heal and move forward.