Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are you located?

Lion Street, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The Learning Center is on the same property as the children's home. We are just north of Maya Air on the west side of the street.

Who runs Hope Haven?

Hope Haven was founded in 2018 by Brittney O'Daniel. Day-to-day operations are run by our local staff, including 24/7 house moms, with oversight from a board of directors on both the Belize and US sides.

How many children live at Hope Haven?

We're licensed for 15 children, and we're usually at or near capacity. Right now, we have boys and girls in our care, ages 2 through 17. Every child here has been placed by Belize's Department of Human Services.

Wait — you have boys now?

Yes. For most of our history, we served girls only, but we've expanded to take in boys as well. The need for safe placement is real for kids of every age and gender on the island, and we're proud to be able to say yes more often.

How does a child come to Hope Haven?

Every child placement comes through Belize's Department of Human Services. We don't intake directly from families or individuals. If you know of a child in crisis, please contact the Department of Human Services directly.

Human Services Department

Director – Lliani Arthurs
Tel: +(501)-227-3898
E-mail: director.hsd@humandev.gov.bz

Can I adopt a child from Hope Haven?

Adoptions in Belize go through the Department of Human Services, not through us directly. We can talk through the broad process, but the legal pathway is handled by the government. We are not an adoption agency. See contact info. above.

Are you a registered nonprofit?

Yes — twice. Hope Haven Belize is a registered Belizean nonprofit handling all in-country programming. Hope Haven Children's Home is our US-side 501(c)(3) (EIN 33-3692248) and accepts tax-deductible donations from US donors.

How is my donation used?

The vast majority of every dollar goes directly to the kids: food, school fees, uniforms, books, therapy, medical care, house mom salaries, and the building itself. We keep overhead low, and we're happy to walk any donor through our budget.

Can I visit Hope Haven?

We offer tours Monday through Friday at 10 am and 2 pm. Please email us in advance to book — we don't accept walk-ins because we need to protect our kids' privacy and routines.

Can I volunteer if I'm only on the island for a few days?

Yes, but our direct-with-kids roles (homework help, overnight, anything ongoing) require a background check that takes about 30 days. For short-term visitors, we have other ways to plug in: cook a meal, drop off donations, help at a yard sale, or organize a one-time activity. Email us before you arrive, and we'll work something out.

Do you accept clothing and household donations?

Yes! We accept drop-offs daily at Hope Haven on Lion Street, San Pedro. Clothing in good condition, household goods, books, toys, kitchen stuff — anything we can use ourselves or sell at our monthly yard sale.