Our Model
At Spirit of Hope, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Since 2010, we have been providing affordable, sober, and supportive housing to extremely low-income individuals from all walks of life, using a "housing first" approach to combat homelessness in our community.
With a number of residences in Carson City, we offer a nurturing environment where approximately 60-80 men and women can begin rebuilding their lives. We work closely with local health and social services agencies and the Carson City court system to ensure our residents are ready and able to thrive in our homes.
While we do not offer assisted living, we are committed to providing permanent housing and vital support services for our residents, empowering them to take control of their futures.
Our Mission & Vision
It is our quest to recognize significant and important needs in society and to be a catalyst of change. Spirit of Hope believes that purposeful acts of kindness shine a warming light on despair and replace it with hope. It is our mission to restore faith and confidence in others so they have the will and means to live a safe, independent, and meaningful life.
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We are here to ensure more men and women with mental illness and other disabilities get the housing and attention they both desire and need.
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We make certain our residents have a clean and safe environment and we promote a healthy recovery for all forms of illness.
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We promote a healthy environment of communal living to ensure all the needs of our residents are met.
At Spirit of Hope, we understand that the adults we serve have faced both challenges and triumphs. Many lack the natural support systems needed to meet their basic needs, and we feel a deep responsibility to help fill those gaps. We are committed to walking alongside each person, ensuring their goals and objectives are met with care and respect. Together, we build on both strengths and areas of growth, especially for those living with mental or physical illness, disabilities, or who are in recovery. Our mission is rooted in charity, determination, and a steadfast duty to advocate for and support those in need, always respecting the unique path of each person we serve.
Our Impact
Spirit of Hope recognizes that homelessness in Carson City carries a heavy financial burden, particularly in the costs of emergency services, healthcare, law enforcement, and behavioral health interventions. Without stable housing, individuals often cycle through hospitals, jails, and treatment centers, leading to higher expenses for the community.
Studies show that allowing someone to remain homeless can cost $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while housing-first approaches can cut these costs by 50% or more.* By providing stable housing, we reduce public spending and create lasting change. This not only benefits those we serve but strengthens the entire community, offering a solution that is both compassionate and fiscally responsible.
*Based on findings from studies and reports on homelessness and the effectiveness of housing-first approaches from cities such as Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. Find detailed studies supporting these figures in reports from:
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National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and other healthcare studies evaluating cost reductions through housing-first programs.
What Is Spirt of Hope?
Spirit of Hope is a local 501 c3 nonprofit which has been providing housing for housing insecure people in the Carson community since 2010. Spirit of Hope is the only agency providing these unique services which are critical to the Carson City community.
Spirit of Hope addresses homelessness through a model of care based on the housing-first philosophy—that without safe and supportive environments in which to live, the homeless cannot pull themselves out of the depths that led them there in the first place.
After an intake process each qualifying homeless candidate is placed in a home designed to be more than just a clean and safe place to live, but to feel like a family environment. Each home celebrates milestones together, treats each resident individually and addresses their most critical needs, and are most often led by one resident that steps up to take a leadership role. This is why Carson City social service agencies and the court system seek out Spirit of Hope homes to place their most difficult clients. In a true home environment, even difficult clients will often decide to address destructive behaviors and begin to improve their lives.
Meet Our Team
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How is Spirit of Hope funded?Our limited budget begins with the modest, sliding-scale rent from our residents that covers essentials like utilities, cable, internet, and Wi-Fi. On average, our residents paid about $600 per month in 2024. In past years, we were fortunate to receive grants from the City of Carson and COVID-19 relief funds, which helped us grow. As we expand our reach in Carson City, we need your support to continue providing safe, affordable housing for those in need. Join us in making a difference—your donation will help us bring hope and stability to more lives.
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Who can live in Spirit of Hope housing?Most of our residents come to us through local health agencies or the Carson City court system. We conduct a thorough intake process for each potential resident to ensure they are a good fit and are physically and mentally ready to thrive in our homes. While we do not offer assisted living care, we provide a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence by managing basic self-care tasks, such as showering, preparing meals, and taking medication. We believe in providing stability without a strict timeline, as our homes are not transitional but a place where people can find lasting support and a sense of belonging.
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Do you house families? What about pets?At this time, Spirit of Hope serves adult individuals. Spirit of Hope housing cannot accommodate pets.
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How can I help?Get Involved with Spirit of Hope’s mission with financial gifts, various in-kind donations, volunteering, or giving us a house for one of our residences.
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Where is Spirit of Hope located?The Spirit of Hope Inc. main office is at 411 N. Division Street, Carson City, NV 89703.
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Can you tell me more about your houses?Spirit of Hope manages a number of houses in the Carson City area where our residents live in a family-like environment with access to social services and peer support. The exact number of properties fluctuates but we are always looking for additional homes to expand our mission. Please contact us if you have a property we could rent or purchase from you, or that you would like to leave as a bequest.
Stay in Touch
Spirit of Hope’s mission depends on community members like you reflecting our light and sharing your own. Please join our email list to stay in touch and help us to give a loving home in Carson City to those that would otherwise experience homelessness.
About Our Founder
Ellen Jackson, founder and executive director of Spirit of Hope, grew up in Tonopah NV. As a young woman, she worked as a model in New York City, Paris, and Italy before moving to Los Angeles. She then relocated to Carson City, Nevada and was married in 1993 to James. As a couple they moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she managed and booked Christian artists until 2004. With three small children she then relocated back to Carson City where later she and James adopted 5 children making their household a very busy one.
Ellen started a private company serving the homeless in Carson City from 2004 – 2006, taking some time off to raise 8 children. In 2010 she founded Spirit of Hope Inc. a 501 c (3) nonprofit with a mission of using a “housing first” model to address the needs of homeless individuals facing mental, physical and addiction challenges.
Spirit of Hope has grown substantially every year, and in 2022 operates thirteen homes, housing approximately 55 men and women in neighborhoods throughout Carson City. Ellen’s 12 years of experience working directly with homeless individuals allows her to lead Spirit of Hope with confidence and compassion. She is a treasured resource to both Spirit of Hope’s clients and all of Carson City’s human services organizations.
Our Amazing Supporters
