ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

The H.E.M.P. Legacy Foundation was founded in 2009 by Doug and Heidi Hemp, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, to honor individuals regardless of their past. Our mission is honoring, empowering, and uplifting members of our community, regardless of their past or present situations. We believe that by fostering this positive change, everyone can prosper.

Our inaugural event was supposed to bring together 300 individuals and families impacted by the epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse. Instead, the turnout far exceeded expectations—we ended up serving nearly 1,900 meals. With the support of 25 friends and family members, we laid the foundation for our ongoing commitment to the community.

WHO WE SERVE

At the H.E.M.P. Legacy Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting a diverse range of individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Our services reach homeless individuals living on the streets, in cars, tents, or couch surfing, including veterans, youth, seniors, and families currently displaced. We assist men and women in recovery from addiction in rehabilitation centers, treatment facilities, halfway houses, and sober living environments. Additionally, we focus on new families, including young adults aged 18-25 who have aged out of the foster care system, grandparents with custody of their grandchildren, and foster parents in need of necessities, as well as families struggling due to the impacts of day-to-day pressures.

We also support recently released prisoners transitioning back into society, particularly those in re-entry facilities learning new skills. Our commitment extends to military personnel and veterans from the Papago National Guard, Luke Air Force Base, the 161st and 162nd Air Wings, and Gold Star Families. Furthermore, we assist individuals in immediate danger, including sex-trafficked individuals and those residing in battered person shelters, with referrals from local fire departments, police stations, churches, school nurses, and burn units. Through our comprehensive services, we strive to uplift and empower those in need within our community.

  • We engage actively with our community to identify and address local needs.

  • We provide hygiene products, clothing, food, and necessities to those in need.

  • Together with over 200 local non-profits, we distribute their donations across the community, making sure support flows where it’s needed most.

  • We partner with local businesses to ensure essential resources reach the most vulnerable individuals.

  • Our ‘FREE Shop’ offers essential items to community members, available by appointment or referral only.

  • We are dedicated to reaching out to those who are often overlooked, taking proactive steps to assist our most vulnerable community members.

HOW WE SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

At H.E.M.P. Legacy Foundation, our commitment to making a positive impact is reflected in our Signature Programs. Here’s how we serve our community: