Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Hansen.
Hi Lana, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m Lana Hansen, the heart behind Many Helping Hands Ministry. My journey to this point has been anything but straightforward; it’s a testament to transformation through faith, compassion, and community. Before I found my calling, I endured nearly five years of homelessness—a time marked by profound despair, isolation, and a relentless quest for survival. During those years, the harsh reality of being deemed unemployable, zero self-esteem, and the lack of a loving hug or words of encouragement wore heavily on me. In 2006, I desperately cried out to God that I didn’t want to live or didn’t want to die. He answered my prayer and that was the turning point in my life, leading me off the streets and setting me on a path of service and giving back. My story began one transformative night when, in utter despair, I cried out to God. He answered and, through connections, guided me to a homeless ministry in Downtown Dallas, where I felt a divine call to action. That moment, God told me, “This is what you are going to do,” marking the start of my journey of service. Following this, I was led to Hope Irving, a biker-friendly church, where my pastor encouraged me to bring my homeless friends to Church in our van, providing them with hot meals—something not available anywhere else in the city at that time.
In 2012, driven by my experiences and the glaring absence of support for the homeless in Irving, TX, we initiated discussions with local churches to start making a difference. This effort led to the formation of Many Helping Hands Ministry, which has grown into a robust network of support, engaging 27 churches and organizations to serve the needs of over 100+ clients weekly.
The seed for Many Helping Hands was sown as we realized the urgent need for more comprehensive support. Partnering with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Heartland World Ministries, we hosted our first winter clothing event in 2012, an annual tradition that continues to this day. In June 2013, we launched our Thursday Night Feed, ensuring we never missed a Thursday meal, even on holidays and during COVID. In 2014, we formed a non-profit called Many Helping Hands Ministry. We have over 27+ Irving churches and other organizations working together to serve the needs of our Irving homeless.
In early 2017, we obtained a small office space on Irving Blvd, allowing us to help clients obtain their IDs, a crucial step towards employment and securing a home. We strive to provide more than just essentials: we speak life and provide Hope for a future. Our Thursday night dinners have become a cornerstone of our service, offering hot meals, healthcare via the Parkland bus, and addressing other critical needs, supported by in kind donations. We’ve also implemented an inclement weather plan, which has grown over the years, to ensure no one is left out in the cold.
God gave me a vision for a Day Center, a dream that came to fruition in July 2022. This center is where our friends without homes can find showers, do laundry, enjoy hot meals, rest, engage in Bible study, counseling, and mentorship to help find employment and, ultimately, a way off the streets. We’re currently open three days a week, serving about 25 to 30 people each day, with plans to expand operating days and add additional services soon.
I pray that my story stands as a beacon of hope and an inspiring testament to the transformative power of faith, compassion, and community engagement. Many Helping Hands believes that love and compassion can change lives that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a chance at a better future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, MHH journey has been smooth & Blessed. Knowing God has had his hand on our Ministry. Some challenges that come to mind are:
* In a city that doesn’t want to acknowledge a homeless population, has been a bit difficult to get support from them.
However, the Churches and volunteers are amazing, so we have not really struggled with support.
* God has blessed us with donors, successful fundraisers, and committed volunteers with huge servant hearts.
* Finding a place to open a day center was very difficult. It appeared nobody wanted lease to a homeless ministry. “Not in my neighborhood” was the theme. We have been at our current locations, both Thursday night dinners and now Day Center, for years and have not had ANY Complaints. Praise God!
* During COVID, I worked with the city to attempt to place port potties and hand washing stations around the city. I was successful in getting one in our downtown area.
* SNOWVID – the two weeks in February during COVID, we had to implement an emergency inclement weather plan at a local motel. We were blessed with several nonprofits coming together to ensure the 60 people in the motel had food.
* During COVID, if our friends tested positive, we put them in a motel for the required isolation period so they could rest.
* We have moved from a 100% volunteer organization to a small staff in 2022 and are working on obtaining grants and increasing awareness to partner with businesses for financial and volunteer support. Funding is required to grow and implement programs. Volunteers are as well!
* Praying for Businesses in and around Irving to be willing to help us offer job skills, experience and hire our friends.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My professional career story starts with 16 1/2 years as a Supervisor/Program Manager at a Telecom company, prior to my homelessness. I was laid off, had personal Trama and ended up homeless. After 2 years of sobriety, I applied at my previous company and was rehired as a supervisor, and they bridged my time. I was laid off after 33 years of service, in 2023, I am now retired and working for Many Helping Hands.
Being 50 or older profoundly shapes my approach and performance in leading Many Helping Hands Ministry. At 46, emerging from homelessness into a new way of life, I discovered my true purpose. This transition not only brought immense joy but also instilled a sense of motivation that has been the driving force behind my commitment to serving our community’s homeless population. My experiences, both personal and professional, have provided a solid foundation for my role as Executive Director, enabling me to empathize deeply with those we serve, many of whom are navigating the complexities of homelessness later in life, often compounded by age-related ailments and disabilities.
At 62, stepping into full-time ministry was a pivotal moment, aligning perfectly with the organization’s need for dedicated leadership to expand and enhance our programs. My journey through the corporate world, coupled with the challenges I faced while homeless, has equipped me with a unique blend of skills, resilience, and compassion. This background has been instrumental in designing initiatives that address the specific needs of our clients, from healthcare access to employment assistance.
Moreover, my age has brought a perspective that values continuous learning and adaptability, essential qualities in responding to the ever-evolving challenges of homelessness. It has also fostered a collaborative environment, attracting volunteers, many of whom are retired professionals themselves, who share a commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for our clients. Together, we leverage our collective experiences and insights to drive the mission of Many Helping Hands Ministry forward.
In essence, being over 50 has enriched my ability to lead with empathy, innovate with purpose, and inspire a community of volunteers towards a common goal: making homelessness rare and brief. It’s about suiting up, showing up, and being open to discovering and implementing solutions that can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support Many Helping Hands Ministry, each contributing significantly to our mission of changing lives through compassion, service, and the love of Christ. Here’s how you can get involved:
Volunteer Your Time
We rely heavily on the dedication and passion of our volunteers. Whether you’re serving meals, assisting at our Day Center, helping with administrative tasks, or providing professional services pro bono, your time and talents are invaluable to us. Volunteers are the backbone of our ministry, and there’s always a need for more hands and hearts.
Donate
Financial contributions are crucial in allowing us to sustain and expand our services. Donations help us cover the costs of meals, supplies for the Day Center, emergency housing during inclement weather, and much more. Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Provide Material Donations
We welcome donations of clothing, non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and other necessities. These items are directly distributed to those in need, providing immediate relief and support. We are always in need of new men’s underwear and socks. In addition, gently used jeans, shoes, shorts, blankets, travel sized hygiene etc.
Spread the Word
Awareness is a powerful tool. By sharing our mission and stories through your networks, social media, and community groups, you help us reach more volunteers, donors, and individuals in need. The more people know about the work we’re doing, the greater the impact we can have.
Collaborate and Partner
If you’re part of an organization, church, or business looking to make a difference, we’re open to partnerships and collaborations. Whether it’s co-hosting events, offering services, or engaging in joint initiatives, we believe in the power of community and the impact of working together toward common goals.
Pray
For those who share our faith, your prayers for our ministry, the people we serve, and our volunteers are deeply appreciated. The challenges we face are significant, and the belief in the power of prayer to guide, protect, and provide remains a cornerstone of our work.
Stay Informed and Engaged
Follow us on our website and social media to stay updated on our needs, events, and stories of impact. Engaging with our content, attending our events, and inviting others to join are great ways to stay involved and support our mission.
If you feel called to work with, collaborate with, or support Many Helping Hands Ministry, we welcome your passion, skills, and resources. Together, we can continue to offer hope, support, and transformative change to the homeless community in Irving, Texas. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.manyhelpinghands.org or contact us directly. Your support, in any form, makes a world of difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.manyhelpinghands.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manyhelpinghandsirving/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manyhelpinghands8427
Image Credits
Lana Hansen
