"The idea came to me in a cardboard box."

Our Roots:
A Vision from Lived Experience

Mike Neely, a homeless veteran living on Skid Row, founded the Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) with a revolutionary idea: empower individuals with lived experience to guide others through the social service system. His personal experience shaped the foundation of HOP, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time.

Opening Doors

Neely envisioned housing homeless individuals who would, in turn, outreach to others. Although the initial plan for the Lemon House faced community resistance, in 1988, HOP opened its first site at 853 East 6th Street, focusing on three pillars:

We meet people where they are—on the streets, in encampments, or in shelters. Engagement is about building trust and forming real connections. Our staff, many with lived experience, offer compassion first, then support. Every conversation is a step toward hope.

Engagement

Knowledge empowers. We help clients understand their options—whether it’s housing, treatment, or support services. We educate both the community and our partners, so everyone can be part of the solution. We don’t just give information; we walk clients through it.

Information & Education

Understanding goes beyond words. We speak in ways that resonate—culturally, emotionally, and experientially. Communication rooted in respect allows us to truly connect with those we serve, making support feel human, not clinical.

Connection Trough Shared Language and Understanding

Activism in Action

While living in a cardboard box, Mr. Neely sparked a movement. He led a “March to the Sea” to Santa Monica to raise awareness about homelessness and later organized sit-ins at Santa Barbara City Hall to protest the criminalization of homelessness. His advocacy efforts gained traction, and in 1987, he was awarded a $50,000 block grant to launch a pilot program in Los Angeles.

Evolving to Meet the Need

As staff began working with various homeless populations, it became clear that subpopulations—such as those with mental illness, substance use disorders, and recent incarceration histories—required tailored services. This led to the creation of the Community Service Assessment Center, integrating mental health, reentry, and substance use services.

The Birth of HOPICS

In 1992, the need to centralize and simplify access to services inspired the launch of the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS)—a one-stop shop offering housing, behavioral health, and reentry services. Today, HOPICS serves over 4,000 individuals and families and now includes primary health care through a partnership with Central City Community Health Center.

Our Ongoing Mission

What began with one man’s lived experience has grown into a model of service and compassion. Despite ongoing challenges, HOPICS continues to reduce bureaucratic barriers, advocate for culturally competent care, and mentor other organizations. With a legacy spanning over 28 years, HOPICS remains committed to uplifting homeless and low-income communities across South Los Angeles.