A Place To Belong

Nothing happens by accident, GOD always has a purpose for everything.

Every day, someone walks through the doors of Hope Haven Gospel Mission carrying a burden, facing uncertainty, or searching for a reason to believe that tomorrow can be better. Some come hungry, needing a warm meal or a safe place to rest. Others come feeling lost, discouraged, or overwhelmed, simply hoping to find someone who cares enough to listen and offer encouragement.

At Hope Haven Gospel Mission, we believe that no one should have to face life's hardest moments alone. Behind every face is a story, and behind every story is a person deserving of compassion, dignity, and the opportunity for a fresh start. Through food, shelter, encouragement, and support, we strive to offer more than assistance—we strive to restore hope and help people discover a path toward a brighter future.

The stories of hope shared here are reminders that lives can change, hardships can be overcome, and new beginnings are possible.

Whatever challenges you may be facing, hope is still within reach. At Hope Haven Gospel Mission, your story matters, your future matters, and your journey toward a fresh start can begin here.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a stronger, more compassionate community by bringing together churches, other religious and faith-based organizations, city leadership, elected officials, businesses, community partners, and individuals to address homelessness throughout the Lewiston-Auburn region. We believe that lasting change begins when our community unites around a shared purpose, combining resources, leadership, compassion, and action to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

The continued involvement and support of our community is essential to sustaining our mission and ensuring that food, shelter, and other vital services remain available to those in need. As the challenges of homelessness continues to grow and evolve, we are committed to adapting programs, strengthening partnerships, and developing effective solutions that respond to the changing needs of our clients and visitors.

Our Impact

Addressing homelessness requires a united community and a shared commitment to action

We call upon churches, religious and faith-based organizations of all traditions, city leadership, elected officials, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to work together to identify solutions, strengthen community resources, and create meaningful opportunities for those experiencing, and at risk of homelessness. By bringing together faith communities, public leadership, private partnerships, and local resources, we can develop a coordinated response that addresses immediate needs while advancing long-term solutions.

Together, we can move beyond meeting immediate needs and work toward lasting change that restores dignity, creates opportunities, and provides hope for a better future. The time to act is now. We invite every community leader, faith-based organization, elected official, business, nonprofit, and concerned citizen to join us in this mission. Through collaboration, shared responsibility, and collective action, we can build a stronger Lewiston-Auburn community where every person has the opportunity to find safety, stability, and hope.

Our Spiritual Guides, Leadership and Staff

Our dedicated pastoral team is here to support you on your faith journey.

Pastor Willie Ponds

Executive Director

m: 904-930-8585

pastorwilliepondshhgm@gmail.com

Ms. Renee Ponds

Office Manager & Communication & Event Director

m: 207-754-5089

vreneepondshhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, and nurtured in the Cavalier Manor area of Portsmouth, Pastor Ponds is a dedicated servant of faith, a proud U.S. Army veteran, and a former professional basketball player with a 15-year career in the NBA and FIBA. Alongside his beloved wife of 20 years, Verlene Renee Robinson Ponds, they are blessed with a family of five children. His journey of service includes a significant tenure as Shelter Manager and Chapel Pastor at Union Mission in Norfolk, Virginia, for half a decade. His commitment to ministry continued at Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Study Hall Coordinator, Bible Teacher, and Chaplain at Signature Medical Center from August 2007 until 2018. Currently, he serves as Senior Pastor at Webbs Mills Baptist Church, Casco, Maine. Pastor Ponds holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a focus on both the Old and New Testaments, and completed seminary studies in Richmond, Virginia. His pastoral calling was affirmed through his licensing and ordination at Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, under the mentorship of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Senior Pastor. Other mentors include Pastor Jon Case of Auburn, Maine.

Hailing from Portsmouth, VA, and raised in Greenville, Ms. She returned to Portsmouth in her teens as a devoted follower of Christ. Ms. Renee has been married to Pastor Willie Ponds for 20 years and is the mother of five children. She attended Tidewater Community College, working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education from 1983 to 1985. Mrs. Ponds brings her vast experience to community outreach and her years of ministry experience. She is looking forward to working with the Lewiston and Auburn communities.

Anthony Feole

Shelter Manager, Director of Security & Intake Officer

anthonyfeolehhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Harlem, NY, by way of Boston, MA. He has quickly become a vital part of Hope Haven Gospel Mission. Anthony has shown a passion for helping others and living by our motto “Caring Like Christ”. He provides security for our facility, guests, and employees around the clock. Anthony will also assist in other day-to-day operations. Anthony comes from a security background that has assisted us here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission.

John Lillard

Assistant Director of Security

johnlillardhhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Portsmouth, VA and raised in Suffolk VA, John serves Hope Haven Gospel Mission as Assistant Director of Security and provided day-to-day service for Hope Haven’s facility, guests and employees around the clock. John has a passion for helping and protecting the homeless and less fortunate as well as the youth all over the world. He has participated in youth sports, summer camps, mission operations and emergency package giveaways for the homeless and less fortunate worldwide. Mr. Lillard lives under the motto “Built to Live”, because he knows what it is like to be homeless and an outcast to society but never gave up on himself or the passion, he has for others who suffered in silence under heavy pressure and adversity. From the jail cells to the streets of society, John plans to protect, help and guide all those who are in need and pray that his services and dedication will help others along the way to never give up. John attended Lakland High School in Suffolk VA, went on to Beaver County Community College, Monaca, PA; Indiana University of PA (IUP), Indiana, PA and Bryant & Stratton Community College, Virgina Beach, VA. Mr. Lillard played professional basketball in the American Basketball Association (ABA) for 4 years and the Eastern Basketball Association (EBA) for 1 years. As a rookie in 2009-2010 he broke the record for most points as a rookie guard with 41 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists. In the ABA he was part of the Seven City Knights, VA; Portsmouth Cavaliers, VA; South Coast Fire, FL and the Beaver County Indians, PA. In the EBA he was a part of the Hampton Roads Cardinals, Hampton Roads, VA.

Kim Rees

Administrative Assitant

KimReeshhgm@gmail.com

Hailing from Boston, MA, Kim has quickly become a vital part of Hope Haven Gospel Mission. Her extensive background in Accounts Payable, Administrative, and Account Coordination has helped her jump right in and pick up the pieces wherever help is needed. Kim holds an associate's degree in graphic design and a certificate in interior design. She also has 60 college credits towards a BS in Leadership.