Building a Better Bainbridge
Helpline House has been a beacon of hope on Bainbridge Island for over five decades, providing groceries, counseling, and vital resources to our neighbors in need. Today, one in ten islanders relies on our services each year, reflecting how quickly local needs have grown. Rising costs for food, housing, and medical care have made it harder for families and seniors to stay afloat.
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In response, we’ve launched a Capital Campaign to create a new Helpline House, better equipped to address both immediate and long-term challenges. Our goal is to preserve the compassion that defines Bainbridge Island while expanding our capacity to serve. ​
A better Bainbridge begins with you.​
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In this short video, you'll learn the reasons, the goals, and the strategies to achieve this shared dream. Together, we can make sure no neighbor faces hardship alone—and build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.
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If you are interested in contributing to our campaign, please contact our Fund Development Manager Dean Lierle at dlierle@helplinehouse.org.
During our renovation, we deeply appreciate the support of our community in our temporary facility through donations to operational funding.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
At the core of Helpline House is a simple but powerful principle: neighbors helping neighbors. For over 50 years, we’ve provided free and confidential support to any islander in need, guided by warmth, respect, and kindness. We believe that a healthy, thriving community depends on each of us recognizing and caring for one another. Our dedicated staff and volunteers embody this spirit daily, greeting clients with empathy and working tirelessly to connect them with nourishing food, counseling, and financial assistance.
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As Bainbridge Island grows and changes, our commitment to serving every resident remains steadfast. By blending proven social services with a personal, neighborly touch, Helpline House remains a lifeline for those facing life’s toughest challenges—and a reflection of our community’s generous heart.
Growing Challenges
Bainbridge Island is often known for its natural beauty and close-knit community, yet many residents struggle with unseen hardships. Housing costs can overwhelm those on fixed incomes or working in lower-wage jobs, and food insecurity is on the rise. Children and teens are also facing heightened mental-health challenges, creating a greater need for accessible counseling.
Every year, more people walk through our doors seeking help — more food bank visits, additional requests for emergency aid, and a surge in counseling referrals. These trends underscore the urgency of expanding our capacity.
What once worked for a smaller population can no longer meet the growing complexity of today’s needs. Helpline House stands ready to address these challenges, but we need a modern facility that can keep pace with our island’s future.
Meeting Increased Needs
Our current location on Knechtel Way has served us well, but has been pushed it to its limits. Private space for counseling is scarce, forcing us to repurpose rooms wherever possible. The food bank can only accommodate a few shoppers at a time, leading to congestion when demand is high.
Storage for fresh produce and essential goods is cramped, and volunteers often operate in tight, crowded conditions. There’s no dedicated space to hold group sessions or community workshops, limiting our ability to deepen the services and support we provide.
Each of these constraints affects how many families we can serve and how effectively we can respond to emerging needs. The solution isn’t simply more square footage—it’s a smarter, well-designed facility built for the island’s evolving challenges.
Food Bank Visits
Extra, supplemental, additional—these words all point to one undeniable fact: the need is growing. Following an unprecedented year in 2023, we anticipated a decrease in visits to Helpline House, but 2024 proved us wrong. There were over 3,500 more visits to the food bank than the previous year, building on the 4,000 increase from 2022. This two-year span revealed a staggering 66% rise in demand for food assistance, and we must address this urgent issue.
Serving the Next 50 Years
Our new facility will be purpose-built to serve Bainbridge Island for the next 50 years.
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Expanding our footprint to over 12,750 square feet, it will feature a brighter, more welcoming food bank where multiple clients can shop simultaneously, creating a dignified, grocery store–style experience.
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Private, dedicated counseling rooms will ensure confidential support, including spaces tailored for children and teenagers who need a safe place to heal. We plan to introduce a community gathering room for volunteer training sessions, educational workshops, and new partnerships.
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The design will emphasize energy efficiency, ADA accessibility, and thoughtful layouts for easier storage and distribution of nutritious foods.
This isn’t just an upgrade in appearance—it’s a critical step toward delivering deeper, more meaningful services. By building a space with future generations in mind, we can remain a dynamic resource for every neighbor who needs us.
Bringing this Dream to Life
Through a balanced approach of government grants, foundation support, Helpline House reserves, and generous donations from community members, we have raised much of our goal to fund both construction and essential project costs.
Now, we’re asking our community to help us raise the remaining dollars ensuring that this project truly reflects the core values of neighbors helping neighbors. Construction begins in June of 2025, taking approximately 12 to 15 months to complete. We’re mindful that economic conditions may shift, so securing commitments early is vital.
While we move forward, our existing services will continue a few blocks away in our temporary facility at 901 Hildebrand Lane NE, ensuring no disruption for those who rely on us. Your help at this critical stage will shape Helpline House—and Bainbridge Island—for years to come.
Join the Campaign Pledge
Every gift plays a pivotal role in helping us reach our goal. At this stage of the campaign, we’re in need of donors who can help us cross the finish line. If you are considering making a major gift or multi-year pledge, please contact our Fund Development Manager Dean Lierle at dlierle@helplinehouse.org.
Beyond financial contributions, we encourage you to share our vision with friends, family, and colleagues who may not yet know about Helpline House. You could also host a small event to raise awareness, connect us with potential grantors, or volunteer your time to help with day-to-day operations.
Each act of support—be it a personal check or a few hours of service—builds the foundation of a safer, healthier community. We invite you to stand with us in championing dignity, compassion, and hope for all who call Bainbridge Island home.
Campaign FAQs
Why is Helpline House launching a Capital Campaign now?
We’ve outgrown our current building, and the need for our services is rising faster than ever. A larger, more functional facility will help us keep pace—ensuring we can continue offering free groceries, counseling, and housing support for the next 50 years.
Who does Helpline House serve?
Helpline House is here for everyone on Bainbridge Island. While we’re known for helping neighbors who face financial hardship, our door is open to any resident seeking assistance—whether that’s food, counseling, or simply information about available resources.
What makes the current building inadequate?
Our building was designed decades ago for fewer people and simpler needs. Today, we’re short on private counseling rooms, our food bank can’t accommodate many shoppers at once, and we lack space for community programs that are crucial to meeting evolving needs.
Where will my donation go?
Your gift directly supports the expansion and modernization of our facility. It covers construction expenses, updated equipment (like fridges for fresh produce), improved counseling rooms, and new community gathering spaces. Ultimately, your support ensures neighbors receive the help they need.
How can I make a donation?
We welcome one-time contributions or pledges spread over months (or years). You can donate online, mail a check, or drop by our office. If you’d like to explore a major or leadership gift, our Fund Development team is happy to talk through options.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Helpline House is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are generally tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We’ll send you a letter acknowledging your gift for your records.
Will Helpline House be open during construction?
Yes. We’re committed to serving the community throughout the build. Services will continue at our current site (as space allows), and we’ll keep neighbors updated on any short-term changes or relocation plans.
What new features will the expanded building have?
The new facility will allow us to serve multiple food bank shoppers simultaneously, provide private counseling rooms (including child-friendly spaces), and offer a welcoming community room for group meetings and volunteer trainings. We’re also planning better storage and easier client access.
Does Helpline House only help people who are homeless or in poverty?
Not at all. We’re here for anyone facing tough times—maybe a job loss, medical bills, or simply needing a supportive conversation. We believe a healthy community cares for everyone, no matter their income or background.
When will construction start and finish?
Our goal is to begin construction in 2025, with an estimated 12-to-15-month timeline to complete the new building. We’ll share project updates, so everyone knows how we’re progressing and when the doors will open.
What’s the difference between a major gift and a leadership gift?
Major gifts typically range from $10,000–$99,000, while leadership gifts are $100,000 or more. Both are incredibly meaningful contributions that help secure the future of Helpline House, and they often come with opportunities for personal recognition or naming.
Are you seeking volunteers as well as donors?
Yes! Helpline House thrives on the commitment of volunteers who help in the food bank, assist with special events, and support community outreach. We’re also always looking for ambassadors who can spread the word about our services and campaign goals.
Will the new building meet environmental standards?
We're designing and building the next Helpline House to be in line with LEED Silver standards. We want our new home to be as eco-friendly as possible while comfortably serving the growing needs of our island.
Will Helpline House still run the same programs after the expansion?
Absolutely. All existing services—like the food bank, counseling, and seasonal programs—will continue. The new space will allow us to do these programs better and potentially add new offerings as future community needs arise.
How do we know Helpline House manages funds responsibly?
We are committed to transparency and follow nonprofit best practices, including regular financial audits and reporting. Our Board of Directors oversees the capital campaign to ensure donations are allocated responsibly and effectively.
Is Helpline House part of the city government?
No. We’re an independent nonprofit, though we collaborate with local agencies and rely on community support, grants, and private donations to sustain our programs.
Can I honor a loved one or organization through my gift?
Yes. We offer naming opportunities for certain rooms or areas of the new building, and we can discuss personalized recognition to honor individuals, families, or businesses who wish to leave a lasting legacy.