Great Falls couple runs nonprofit helping community members in need

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — For many people, the rising cost of living has taken a significant toll, but one couple has made it their life's work to ease the burden for people in their community.

Kim and Dee Chapel run HopeWorx, a nonprofit in Great Falls where they provide food, blankets, coats and a helping hand to anyone in need.

Dee Chapel says they started HopeWorx 10 years ago when they noticed the growing need in their community.

"I think the origins of it, which were really simple, some friends of ours had seen a gap in low income, homeless people and just wanted to step up in any way they could," Dee said. "For them it just started out with, you know, loving on them, giving them a cup of coffee and how can we help sort of thing."

The HopeWorx team hands out free meals downtown every Friday, but Dee says it's about more than making sure people have a full stomach.

"Each one of us is three or four bad decisions away from being in really tough situations like a lot of people that we serve and love on," he said.

Dee says their mission extends beyond providing immediate relief.

"It's not about, you know, HopeWorx. It's really about where can we steer people where they'll get the most help? Whether that's at the mission or at the housing authority, or jobs, or do you need lifts for this?" he said. "We're just trying to encourage people and let them know that they don't have to stay stuck."

Kim and Dee were nominated for this month's Good Samaritan by Kendall Harlow, who says they've been a big support system for her over the years and she's seen their work help hundreds of people.

"I nominated them because I feel like they do so much for the community. They help people that are struggling to make ends meet," Harlow said. "I myself appreciate them very, very much."

With 10 years of service under their belt, Dee shows no signs of slowing down.

"Ten years is a long time to be doing this stuff. And I think a lot of people would think how do you keep going? Ten years with a lot of times, the rough and rowdy mess of people and extremes. How do you keep doing it?" Dee said. "And it's when you see people turning a corner and having life. Not just existing but actually having a life that's full of hope and excitement. That's why we keep doing it."