In 2008, Pam started asking friends and family if they could find furniture that they no longer needed as part of the San Jose Mission to help migrants. This led to the development of Home Makers of Hopewhich eventually established in Pinellas Hope and Tampa and was granted 501(c)3 non-profit in 2016. Home Makers of Hope has grown so much that it is now county-wide with three volunteer teams who have served over 2000 people, just in the past two and a half years. Stamey is working to expand further by establishing a network of volunteers who have the desire and skills to run warehouses, drive trucks and move furniture. By filling this essential need for furniture, families and individuals are elevated in status and strengthened as a unit within our community. All are served, regardless of age, race, religion or country of origin.
Pam and her volunteers work closely with over 30 partnering agencies, including Metropolitan Ministries, local law enforcement homeless coalitions and School Social Workers and Guidance Counselors. Since 2016, over 530 deliveries of furniture have been made throughout Hillsborough County, helping 2086 adults and children. Over 15,540 volunteer hours were accumulated as furniture valued over $610,000 was delivered. Each December, a "Christmas Blitz" is planned, with Pam organizing a huge effort to eliminate as many referrals as possible before the holidays. Stamey easily contributes fifty or more hours per week on activities for Home Makers, whether it is developing presentations, giving interviews, driving trucks for pick-ups and deliveries or visiting homes to determine furniture needs.
Pam Stamey becomes the 360th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through this evening's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $18 million to more than 400 different nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2016, the Vinik's announced that the community hero program will give away another $10-million over the next five seasons.
