It all started with a Jeep and a calling. In the fall of 2018, Leighton O’Connor founded Mission for Hope, driven by a deep conviction to support people experiencing homelessness in cities across America. Traveling from state to state, with his two door Jeep Wrangler, he set out to bring warmth, dignity, and connection to those in need.
Among the many stops on this journey, one moment in Atlanta stands out. While distributing supplies, Leighton and his team met a veteran—alone, unhoused, and turning 50 that very day. But fate had something in store for him. A donated birthday cake made its way into their hands, and right there, in the middle of the city streets, they lit the candles and sang. It was a simple gesture, but one that reminded him—and all those present—that he was seen, valued, and not forgotten.
Building Bridges, One City at a Time
Coordinating large-scale outreach efforts took a village. From a storage unit in Lynnfield, MA, socks, hygiene kits, and blankets were shipped to team leaders in cities nationwide. Volunteers showed up—Jeep trunks overflowing with donations—ready to serve. Businesses, like Beantown Blankets, played a key role, ensuring thousands of blankets reached those braving the cold.
And the mission didn’t stop there. What began as a national journey soon expanded internationally. A trip to Kenya and Tanzania became an opportunity to check on six wells funded by Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield, where he is a Pastor. The wells ensure that communities have access to something many take for granted—clean, life-sustaining water.
Creating Opportunities for Stability and Connection
While large-scale outreach made an impact, change also began at home. When Leighton took on a role with Eliot Community Human Services, he saw firsthand how something as simple as a free breakfast could transform lives. Inspired by his experience at the Elm Brook Place Clubhouse in Burlington, he brought the idea to Harbor Place in Lynn, where he now serves as the Vocational Coordinator. More than a meal, the breakfast became a gateway—an invitation for clubhouse members to start their day with purpose, connect with others, and step into a space of support and healing.
Beyond the walls of the clubhouse, Leighton’s work extends to the streets. In Lynn and Revere, encampments dot the landscape—temporary shelters for those with nowhere else to go. With blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, and food, the team goes directly into these spaces, offering both immediate relief and pathways to long-term stability through Eliot’s Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) program.
“We make sure every care package includes more than just essentials,” he explains. “They also contain a CCS brochure—because sometimes, that one piece of paper can be the bridge to a new beginning.”
Storytelling as Advocacy
Mission for Hope is more than just service—it’s about storytelling. Through photography and social media, Leighton shares moments of human connection, shifting perceptions of homelessness and inspiring action.
“Volunteers come out for the first time, and they leave with a whole new understanding of why homelessness happens,” he says. “Our posts don’t just show the need—they show the humanity behind it.”
His photography work, featured in the Take Me To The Ocean exhibit at the Lynn YMCA, showcases another side of his creativity. While different from his outreach efforts, it reflects the same core belief—every story, whether told through a lens or an act of kindness, has the power to move people.
Looking Forward: A Kitchen on Wheels
The mission continues to evolve. The latest project? Transforming a 1967 military trailer into a mobile kitchen, bringing hot meals directly to people in encampments. A recent trial run proved its success, serving simple but nourishing meals to those in need.
For Leighton, the drive to continue this work comes not just from the people he serves but from the countless individuals who support the mission—those who show up, give, and believe in the power of community.
“Hope isn’t just about handing out supplies,” he says. “It’s about reminding people that they’re not alone. That they matter. That someone cares.”
And that, at its heart, is what Mission for Hope is all about.