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History
Mamma’s Hands was formed in December 1990 by Denny Hancock. It was triggered by a chance meeting between Denny, a homeless father and his son.
In The Beginning
Inspired by the homeless father and son, Denny bought an old potato chip delivery
truck. Together with his wife, children and a close friend, they packed it with
food, clothing and blankets and drove through the streets of Seattle to help
people in need. The first night they fed 50, the second night they fed 100.
A Growing Organization
As the numbers grew, Denny began to see the homeless needed more than just a
warm meal. Soon Mamma's Hands services expanded. The Phone Home Program was
born and later the House of Hope. Through generous sponsorships and volunteers,
Mamma’s Hands has continued to grow and help more people in need.
The County Line Cafe Story
The history of Mamma's Hand wouldn't be complete without detailing the story
of the County Line Cafe. The experience has spawned the writing of a song,
the creation of a non-profit organization and positively impacted many people
lives, homeless and otherwise...
At the County Line Café in 1990, Denny Hancock, a Seattle businessman, went
to a local café for his usual lunch break. While he was sitting at a table
waiting to be served, in walked two homeless men, a father and a son. Seeing
their rough appearance and feeling uncomfortable about their presence, Denny
quickly turned away, hoping they wouldn’t sit by him. But they did, and
Denny’s life would never be the same.
Soon the father, son and Denny engaged in small talk. The father got up to
use the phone and as Denny turned to the son to continue their conversation,
he noticed the boy was blind. And while Denny was thinking about the
challenges the duo faced, the unexpected happened: the son began having
an epileptic seizure and fell to the floor. Not knowing how to help him,
Denny called out for the father, who quickly rushed to his son’s aid. After
caring for his son, the father looked up and noticed Denny was watching,
helplessly. Although the two were strangers, the father began to explain.
"Please don’t feel sorry for us," he said. "I’ve been in two wars and
I’ve pulled the trigger. This boy is my reason for living. His slate is
clean, his conscience clear and he is my ticket to Heaven." As the two
left the café, Denny realized his perception of the homeless had changed.
Realizing the importance of unconditional love, like a mother's love for
her child, Denny is determined to find a way to help the homeless through
Mamma's Hands. |
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Our Beginnings
