If You Want to Go Fast… Go Alone.
If You Want to Go Far… Go Together!

Everything Worth Accomplishing In Life Requires A Group Of People Working Together Towards A Common Goal

Surveying Community Needs:

When we take a good look around it’s easy for us to see that Homelessness has become a silent epidemic in today’s America. And to make matters worse… in some segments of our society more and more working families find themselves impacted by senseless violence and inadequate food resources.

Our Vision

Our Everyday focus is on combating the cycle of violence and poverty. We implement Community Outreach programs that are designed to assist residents in improving their by building on and energizing their Self-Confidence, planning/goal attainment skills, and self-discipline.

Our Mission

Connecting Hope was founded in 2001. It is a non-profit grassroots organization focusing on violence prevention, servicing the food insecure and homeless population, and bringing sunshine into the life of Senior Citizens throughout San Diego County.

As change agents, our work includes volunteering, mentoring, and educating to enrich our community.

Synergy

Pastor Ray L. Smith has been in the trenches for over 30 years… fighting to make life better for underprivileged San Diegans.

When we leverage our combined strengths, we can implement initiatives that increase resources, improve health, well-being, and opportunities that lead to a better way of life for those in need throughout San Diego

One of the major goals of Connecting Hope is for the community, Businesses, service providers, city entities, and good people like you to work together in order to cultivate a thriving environment for all residents.

Pastor Smith founded the Triple Crown Youth Coalition.. This innovative program served as a model, blueprint, and predecessor to many other programs that would come along in the following years in the City of San Diego.

Pastor Ray is a recipient of numerous Church, community, local/State/Federal government and professional awards and recognition. Here are just a few…

California State Senate Community Service Award

Presented to Pastor Smith by California State Senator Juan Vargas.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors Community Service Award.

Presented to Pastor Smith from San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts.

California State Assembly Lifetime Volunteer Award

Presented to Pastor Smith by California State Assembly member Marty Block.

City of San Diego Special Accommodation

Presented to Pastor Smith from, then San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

78th California State Assembly District Certificate of recognition

Presented to Pastor Smith by California Assembly Member Shirley Horton.

City of San Diego Special Accommodation

Presented to Pastor Smith by San Diego City Council person Myrtle Cole.

United States Volunteer Service Award

Awarded to Pastor Smith from then President Barack Obama.

City of San Diego Community Service Award

Presented to Pastor Smith by Civil Rights Activist and San Diego City Council Member George Stevens.

In 2008, at the request of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Pastor Smith founded the “Pastors On Point” program which was made up of religious and community leaders within the City and County of San Diego.

Its Mission was to help with community development and prison reforms

Pastor Smith directed this program and served the community in this capacity for 30-years plus, instilling Self-discipline, securing job opportunities, and more for the young people who were in the program.

Pastor Smith was elected to direct the organization, as the first president of “Pastors on Point”. Pastor Smith created the advisory and executive teams who helped to carry out the many initiatives that were important to the community.

Pastor Smith has always been seen as one of the ”go to guys” to contact if you truly want to get something done on the grassroots level in San Diego… and throughout the State of California.

Help us thank the following Sponsors who give generously to assist Connecting Hope in helping those in need throughout San Diego County. We can never to what we do without caring hearts of these Champions of the community.