What brought you to Hope City? A friend named Arny was a mutual acquaintance from our home church in California. Arny introduced me to the former pastor of the church that previously existed where Hope City is now. In 2018, we were given their blessing to start Hope City Church and that's been an awesome experience to be a part of!

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street? The people in our community are genuine and kind-hearted. There is a lot of need and they are often overlooked. These friendships have come to mean a lot to me, personally.

Where are you from originally? I was born in Pomona, California and lived there until moving here, to Tucson, in 2013.

What is your favorite pastime? Spending focused time with Heather and our kids doing things that they love to do is always fun. Exploring new places and trying new restaurants is good too! Movies, sports (football, soccer, UFC), and running are also things that I enjoy.

What brought you to Hope City? I had the privilege of being a part of Hope City when it began in 2018. My husband and I had been called to help start this new church, and many others came alongside to help make it possible.

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street? There is something I love about this church--people come alongside each other when someone has a need or when something needs to get done.

Where are you from originally? I was born in upstate New York, then moved to California after college, where I met Jeff. We moved to Tucson about nine years ago. 

What is your favorite pastime? Watching movies with my family.

What brought you to Hope City? God showed my family that we needed Hope City and that He could use us there. It started with a connection to the youth ministry for our daughter, and we recognized that this was a place where people were not just attending church but were trying to live out being the church. People here are genuine, encouraging, caring, supporting and have the mindset to help others, and that is how we want to be. 

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street? It has a lot of character. This is now an older part of Tucson, mostly built in the 50's and 60's, and some of the people we meet are lifelong residents. People still know most of their neighbors and they still try to take care of their community. I've seen people doing yard work for neighbors, stopping their walks to chat and make sure someone is well, and lending a hand or providing a meal because they care. It's great to see that not everyone is disconnected, and that people still make an effort to show grace and love. 

Where are you from originally? Wayne County, Ohio. Home of rural farms, corn, strawberry and soybean fields and several Amish communities. 

What is your favorite pastime? Driving, especially somewhere new to see places and things I have not experienced before. I also like reading and writing. Camping, canoeing and kayaking would also rank high on a list of favorite pastimes.

What brought you to Hope City? We had moved to the neighborhood and were checking out churches in the area. Everyone was welcoming and we felt a great connection. Then God showed us that He wanted us at Hope City.

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street?  I am a social person and I love sharing life with people. There are some wonderful people in this community, and right now I'm really getting to know the youth in the community, from all walks of life. As I am getting to know them and watch them grow, it increases my care for the community that they are becoming a part of and I want to help them feel connected to this community and invested in it so they will want to see it improve and thrive.

Where are you from originally? Worchester, Massachusetts, but been in Tucson most of my life.

What is your favorite pastime? Being creative. I love to knit and crochet, paint and cook and make other things, and I love to sing. I also am a big fan of watching movies.

What brought you to Hope City? I came to Hope City Church 9 months before it opened in August 2018 to help open the church. It was only supposed to be a temporary stay, but I fell in love with Hope City Church and it’s mission and people. I’ve been here 5 years now.

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street?  I love the diversity. There are many people that need help and there are many people willing to help. Great combination.

Where are you from originally? Dayton, Ohio. 

What is your favorite pastime? Bible study. Genealogy. Jewelry making and silversmithing. Traveling. Walking and hiking.

What brought you to Hope City? We came to Hope City in November 2018. We were looking for a new church home and the minute we walked through the doors we knew this is where God was planting us.

Why do you love our community on 22nd Street?  We love our community because of the love and compassion we share with each other. God has knitted us all together on one accord to serve our community with his love for them.

Where are you from originally? I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland.

What brought you to Hope City? We were invited and never left.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? I believe we are living out Matthew 25:40 which states, "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me!'"

Where are you from originally? I am originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

What is your favorite pastime? Cooking/baking and making things beautiful.

What brought you to Hope City? God brought me to Hope City Church at a time when I was looking for a new church. The first time I was there God clearly met me and I knew I was at home.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? John 3:16--God so loved the world--he didn't leave anyone out, we shouldn't either! I love that people in our community are real, both in helping others and requesting help.

Where are you from originally? I was born in Cyprus, but grew up in England.

What is your favorite pastime? Serving others while encouraging and motivating them. Knitting socks (but only in winter). Learning, always.

What brought you to Hope City? I heard about Hope City as my long-time friend, Tina, shared her experiences with me. I loved hearing what God was doing in and through the people of Hope City. When I talked about the ministries and community partnerships here, others said, "That's your kind of people and church." It sure is!

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? I love our 22nd St community so much due to the diversity, culture, heritage, spiritual roots and the varying life circumstance of those who attend. The culture of Hope City is a family who loves Jesus--where you can come as you are, no matter your past choices and experiences. The warmth, welcoming spirit, love and acceptance flows freely within and out of our walls. Hope City is a beacon of hope in our community and city and I love getting to be a part of it!

Where are you from originally? I am from Phoenix but God relocated me to Tucson in May of 2023.

What is your favorite pastime? I enjoy serving with other believers through Hope City Missions teams and taking time to pray and connect with others who need it. I also love spending time with my grandkids and being with family.

What brought you to Hope City? God brought me to Hope City. I never expected to be celebrating Him at a small, new church, but he certainly has others ideas.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? I lived just up the street from Hope City for over ten years and during that time really developed a heart for this area.

Where are you from originally? Having been born in Phoenix, I am an original Arizonian!

What is your favorite pastime? I love to create...whether it is food, knitting, sewing, arts and crafts, or even memories.

What brought you to Hope City? Our first week visiting Hope City we had an overwhelming peace. We were immediately drawn to Pastor Jeff's heart to serve and love those of all walks of life. We especially appreciate that Scripture is explained methodically, while also providing application for daily life.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? The body of Christ is diverse and Hope City Church is too. It is easy to find yourself content in a place where others look, talk and think like you--this is not that place. Yet, there is a unity and a love here that transcends it all. This is what the love of Christ enables us to do.

Where are you from originally? Billy was born in Wyoming but grew up in Anchorage, Alaska while Brooke was born and raised in Oregon. We met in college and spent the majority of our married life in Central Oregon. We moved to Tucson in September 2022.

What is your favorite pastime? We enjoy doing home renovations and playing strategy board games together. Brooke finds peace through acrylic painting, playing volleyball and in studying God's Word. Billy is an avid hunter and archer--Tucson has been a transition for sure!

What brought you to Hope City? I was needing a new home church.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? I have lived here going on 9 years.

Where are you from originally? I was born here in Tucson but I have lived in California for 35 years on and off

What is your favorite pastime? Helping people wherever and whenever I can.

What brought you to Hope City? My wife, Jeannie, and I were invited by Jeff to operate our mentoring ministry on the church campus. We worked there for around six years. With Covid, Jeannie and I started operating out of our home but have remained a part of the Hope City family.

Why do you love our community on 22nd St? We have had a call to the 22nd St corridor for a long time. These are the people we feel led to. Our ministry, Healing Hearts, provides our mentoring services free of charge to anyone who is unable to afford to pay for such services.

Where are you from originally? I am originally from San Diego, California.

What is your favorite pastime? My favorite pastime is reading.