Leah and a fellow volunteer hold up canned goods in the Hope Center Market under the chalkboard Market sign.

The Hope Center.

The primary outreach and resource center of Marked For Life, at 917 Godfrey Ave S in Fort Payne. Open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Walk-ins welcome.

The Hope Center helps people move from crisis to stability. Someone may need help right now or support for the long haul. Either way, the team works with each person to build a plan for lasting change.

What neighbors can access here

  • Case management and crisis intervention
  • Housing and homelessness assistance
  • Food and clothing assistance
  • Showers, laundry, and hygiene services
  • Employment and job readiness support
  • Life skills and financial education
  • Benefits and resource navigation
  • Mental health and addiction recovery referrals
  • Transportation and community resource referrals
  • Faith-based encouragement and discipleship
The Hope Center Market: wooden shelves of canned and boxed food, chest freezers, and a granite prep table.
Marked For LifeThe Market at the Hope Center

The Exchange Model

Lasting change happens when people take an active role in rebuilding their own lives. Through the Exchange Model, neighbors serve, learn, attend classes, and work toward personal goals while earning points toward essential items: food from the Market, clothing from the closet, and hygiene supplies. It builds dignity, responsibility, confidence, and independence that lasts.

Folded jeans and pants sorted by waist size on wire shelves in the Hope Center clothing closet.
Marked For LifeClothing closet, sorted by size
A chalkboard sign reading Market, Fresh and Local Produce, above shelves of snacks in the Hope Center.
Marked For LifeThe Market

Who walks through the door

Individuals and families throughout Northeast Alabama facing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, addiction, and other life challenges. Everyone is welcomed with compassion and treated with dignity, and the practical needs get met while the team shares the lasting hope found in Jesus Christ.

A neighbor wearing a Hope Center badge sweeps the floor, part of the Exchange Model.
Marked For LifeA neighbor at the Hope Center

Hours and location

Hope Center hours
Monday10 AM to 4 PM
Tuesday10 AM to 4 PM
Wednesday10 AM to 4 PM
Thursday10 AM to 4 PM
Friday10 AM to 4 PM
Saturday and SundayClosedThe 24/7 Hope Line still answers: 888-789-HOPE.

917 Godfrey Ave S, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Free parking in front of the building.

The Hope Center waiting area with navy armchairs, a lit lamp, and abstract art on grey walls.
Marked For LifeWaiting area
The Hope Center kitchen with white cabinets and a round EAT sign on the wall.
Marked For LifeKitchen

Volunteers are integral to everything here.

Sort donations in the Market, serve a community meal, or sit with someone at intake. Orientation is the first step.

Dozens of neighbors and volunteers gather for a group photo under the pavilion after a community meal.
Marked For LifeCommunity meal night
Call the Hope Line Directions