About Us

Albany Helping Hands began as a simple act of faith and compassion. Its roots trace back to the early 1980s when Pastor Les Bailey and others provided services and a seasonal shelter for those in need.  

For fourteen years, starting in 1984, Pastor Bailey ran a shelter from Oak Hill Community Church of God in Albany, Oregon, where he served as a pastor until his retirement in 2014.  Pastor Bailey had a gift—he welcomed those whom society often overlooked, building personal and spiritual connections with the homeless and hungry. His dedication led to the formation of Albany Helping Hands in 1998, when the shelter separated from the church to become an independent, non-denominational, faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Initially operating out of a leased retail space at the intersection of Santiam Highway and Pacific Boulevard, Albany Helping Hands eventually moved to its permanent home at 619 SE 9th Avenue in the mid-2000s. Since then, it has expanded from a seasonal shelter to a full-service organization, providing emergency housing, a three-meal-a-day kitchen, and a Thrift Store.  What started as a small church outreach has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals regain independence and self-sufficiency. Albany Helping Hands remains committed to offering shelter, hope, and a pathway to a brighter future for those in need.