Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tamara Monroe.
Hi Dr. Tamara , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a dedicated servant leader, Tamara co-founded Hope Restored Missions (HRM) in the spring of 2019 alongside three other like-minded women. Their vision was clear: to address the urgent needs of the impoverished and homeless in our community.
Starting with just 20 clients, Tamara and her partners have successfully transformed HRM into a vital resource for over 3,200 individuals and families in just five years. Through unwavering commitment and personal investment—without taking a salary—Tamara has modeled the essence of service and leadership.
Hope Restored Missions remains primarily an all-volunteer organization, yet Tamara leads by fostering dedication among her team, working tirelessly every day to establish a Resource Center aimed at empowering homeless individuals and families. The center provides essential resources, support, and a path to self-sufficiency, demonstrating Tamara’s commitment to restoring hope to those in need.
Tamara and her team’s holistic approach addresses not just material needs but also emotional and spiritual well-being, allowing those they serve to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The more homeless people we house the more the word spreads and our numbers grow. In 2019, when HRM was founded, 20 individuals were helped and housed. During the past 12 months we have served 2800 individuals and families. We have found housing for more individuals and families than any other agency in Collin and Dallas County. We did that with an all-volunteer staff. We have just added 2 salaried Case Managers to help with the 30% increase (from last year) in clients.
Hope Restored Missions struggled to get grants at first due to a very short track record; however, we are gaining in reputation and are into our 6th year.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our services are offered to anyone in Dallas or Collin County who are homeless; there are no qualifying criteria to receive services, other than need. This program provides a comprehensive range of services based on an approach that holistically addresses the client’s barriers to getting housed. We seek long term solutions to meeting the clients’ needs rather than a “quick fix” and we recognize that clients will not be able to stay housed if they are not equipped to stabilize the other aspect of their lives.
When clients come to our office, they receive an intake interview which starts the assessment process to identify any immediate circumstances (mental or medical needs) that need to be prioritized, as well as gathering the information that will become the starting point for case managers to build action plans with the clients. From the intake process, client data is collected and entered Homeless Management information computer system. Showers are offered every Wednesday.
Most of the time clients need food, hygiene items, shoes, and clothing. Those are commonly provided during the first visit and typically multiple times when clients come to meet with case managers. When available, clients may also receive gas cards, bus or train passes.
We provide our clients with a HRM photo IDs, which agencies/organization in the community will accept in lieu of government issued ID (while waiting to receive official government ID). We Pay the fees for critical documents and provide a mailbox, private desk space with a laptop and phone, and outreach events at which government and local agencies come and provide registration for services/benefits, like the Veterans Administration. Vendors provide services such as haircuts, work boots, fresh fruit, school supplies, job applications and a hot meal.
Once a month we hold an Outreach Event on a Saturday where homeless and anyone in our low-income community can come. At that time, we have as many as 100 volunteers providing hot meals, reading glasses, sunglasses, blankets, free haircuts, makeovers, employer interviews, classes on nutrition, and art activities. We generally have at least 300 low-income and homeless people participate, even on the 105-degree Saturdays.
In the past 12 months we have served 1800 unduplicated individuals. Some just needing food and water, referrals or critical documents. Others complete their Case Managers Interview and patiently wait for the call that they have qualified for housing. With your financial help we can hire two more Case Managers. With that addition we can double the number of clients we can serve which equals less wait time between Intake and housing.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Follow your heart and listen to God. He will guide you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HopeRestoredMissions.org
- Instagram: @hoperestoredmissions
- Facebook: Hope Restored Missions
- Youtube: @hoperestoredmissions
