Helping Hands of God

Who We Are

Our Roots

Here at Helping Hands of God, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a Helping Hand. Since our founding, we have been determined to make an impact.

The core of our efforts is to bring our team’s talents and passion to the range of activities we are involved in.

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Through all of our endeavors we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs.

WHY I STARTED THIS ORGANIZATION.

David Hein
Founder/Director

First off, I was born and raised in Florida, have lived all over the place, and have personal experience with hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Floyd, and Wilma. Right place at the wrong time.

For the last several years, I have often asked myself “Why am I still here?” “What is my purpose?”  The answer I keep getting is “God has a plan, and he is not finished with you.” OK, I guess I will wait to see what life brings me.

I am medically disabled (heart). So, trying to work a regular job is just not possible. I may be able to work for an hour then have to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. If it was strenuous, I might have to take a nap. But I can still do things. I can fix things, cleanup, cook. I am strong so I can move and lift heavy items, just not for long periods of time.

In the last 5 years I have built a large kitchen addition (permitted and inspected) on my sister’s house. Laid new hardwood flooring. Remodeled the living room, added a game room in the basement among other things. Now it took me longer than a regular person, but I did it in a reasonable amount of time. So, I do have the tools, knowledge, and ability.

In September 2020, I was looking to purchase a cheap van or SUV so when I visit friends and family (or neighbors) I have a means to bring my tools. I even got pre-approved for a car loan in case it was over my available cash. I checked out several auctions, and all the vehicles I was interested in sold for a much higher price than I could afford. But there was another auction that had an old (2010) shuttle bus. CHEAP! Now it was not what I was looking for. It was 26 feet long, a 19,000-pound GVWR, dual rear wheels, big V8 engine, airbag suspension, and a handicapped ramp. But it did offer 6’6″ ceiling height, and 130 s.f. of space. It also had extra air conditioning and a superheater and tinted glass. Not what I wanted, but, OK so I bought it.

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So now I was trying to figure out how to use this beast. My plan was to make it a mobile shop and RV so I could live in it if I needed to and carry all (most) of my tools and supplies.

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About 1 week later, I woke up at 2 am for one of my regular potty breaks, when you are old you will understand this. So, while I am relieving myself (TMI), I believe God spoke to me. He said, “Why don’t you go to the Gulf Coast and help the hurricane victims with your talents. I have given you what you NEED.”

Wow, what a revelation! You hear all the time God gives you what you need, not necessarily what you want. Boy is that right. I went back to bed, and upon waking in the morning, I hear in my mind, “This is what YOU NEED TO DO” this is NOT an option, but a calling from God.

So, I immediately started to think of what I can do to help. I have the tools and knowledge to make emergency repairs and clean-up. I also am a Serv-Safe Certified Food Manager, so I can legally cook and serve meals to people in all 50 states (local ordinances prevailing), and I can deliver food, clothing or other items as needed. (Diapers are a big thing) So I remember that my church has a BBQ trailer that is rarely used, it has some type of kitchen equipment, not sure what, but I figure it doesn’t hurt to ask. So, I went to church the following Saturday evening for services and spoke to several friends and parishioners about my mission. I also saw the Executive Pastor and asked to have a meeting with him. We met the next Thursday, I told him what was going on, and asked if I could work through the church as an Out-Reach Mission and if I could use the trailer to take kitchen equipment to the Gulf Coast. He had to check with the staff, and the board about my request, and gave me several good suggestions on what to do next. So, in the meantime, I contacted the Cajun Navy, a non-profit out of Lake Charles, Louisiana which has been providing disaster relief for hurricanes Laura and Delta in the area. They said they would love my services and have offered to provide meals and housing down there. So that is where I am heading first. The church was unable to let me use the trailer, but suggested I partner with a church down south so they can funnel support for this mission.

In the meantime, I had already researched setting up a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit corporation and had started that process. So as of 11/10/2020, Helping Hands of God, Inc. was officially incorporated in Michigan, and as of 11/19/2020, we are Officially registered with the Michigan Attorney General to solicit Charitable contributions (Reg# 62839).

I am personally funding my mission with the aid of my Social Security Disability income. About $1700 a month, which should cover my living expenses and the loans ($11,000) I have taken out to fund this operation. I have Medicare and VA medical. 

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However, this bus is a beast. They told me it gets about 6 mpg city and I am hoping 11 highway. Insurance and maintenance are also sizeable. So, if anyone would like to donate funds, materials, food, clothing etc. You can do so through PayPal or Venmo. Our email address is helpinghandsofgod.michigan@gmail.com

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Thank you very much my friends, may God bless you.