148,000
Wheelchairs
Delivered
109
Countries
Involved
30+
Years of
Impact
The Gift Of Hope - A Wheelchair
At Hope Haven International Ministries, our mission is to provide wheelchairs to individuals in desperate need around the globe. In doing so, we connect those in need with generous hearts ready to make a difference. Often, it’s hard to tell who benefits more—those receiving or those giving!
Across the U.S., we receive donations of new and used wheelchairs, parts, raw materials, financial contributions, and more. This incredible support fuels our efforts and is brought to life by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers worldwide. Here’s how our amazing volunteers contribute:
- Collecting, cleaning, repairing, and boxing donated wheelchairs and equipment
- Assisting with record-keeping, loading, and unloading trucks for pick-up and delivery
- Coordinating pick-ups and deliveries across the country
- Manufacturing and refurbishing wheelchairs
Your time, talents, and generosity make our mission possible. Together, we’re opening doors to mobility and independence for countless individuals!
If you or someone you know requires a wheelchair in a location where Hope Haven is organizing a distribution trip, please contact Luke Russell for assistance at lrussell@hopehaven.org.
Wheelchair Journey
Since 1994, Hope Haven International Ministries has been a global leader in refurbishing, manufacturing, and distributing custom-fitted wheelchairs—provided free of charge—to transform the lives of children and adults in desperate need. Each wheelchair is carefully selected and tailored to meet the unique needs of the recipient, ensuring comfort, mobility, and independence.
On wheelchair distribution trips, physical therapists and other specialists accompany Hope Haven International Ministries to customize each wheelchair to the individual specifications of the end user. Families also receive training and guidance on proper usage and care, empowering them to support their loved ones effectively.
Collection
Wheelchairs are collected throughout the continent and sent to wheelchair workshops in the Midwest.
Restoration
Volunteers in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota — along with inmates from the South Dakota State Penitentiary — manufacture, rebuild, and repair donated wheelchairs to nearly new condition.
Shipment
New and rebuilt wheelchairs are gathered, prepared for distribution at our International Ministries center, and shipped to their designated country.
Distribution
A group of dedicated professionals, therapists, rehab specialists, and volunteers participate in global distributions to ensure proper fit of the wheelchairs based on their unique needs.
Transforming Lives Through Global Mobility
Hope Haven International Ministries transforms lives by providing free, custom-fitted wheelchairs to adults and children in need across 109 countries, including regions such as Africa, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. Through mobility, we create opportunities, independence, and hope for individuals worldwide.
Volunteer
The need for wheelchairs around the world continues to grow, and that’s why we need you! Make arrangements for your company or a work group from your church/school to assist at one of our workshops in George, Orange City, Rock Valley (IA), Edgerton (MN), Sioux Falls, and Brookings (SD). Or if you or know someone who wants to volunteer their time! No time commitment. You set your own schedule. To learn more, call (712) 476-2737.
Responsibilities:
- Making parts
- Sewing
- Assemble chairs
- Box chairs
Distribution Trips
Anyone with a heart to help others is invited to join a Hope Haven International Ministries wheelchair distribution trip. Teams are in need of doctors and nurses, physical and occupational therapists, wheelchair seating specialists, and language translators. Other important volunteer duties include paperwork, photography, and providing support to wheelchair recipients – you don’t need a specific set of talents to join! Volunteers pay their own expenses or raise support from home churches, family and friends. Arrangements are coordinated by HHI staff. Travel arrangements are coordinated by HHIM staff. If you would like to get involved with our ministry and help make a difference, take a trip with us! You can learn more by contacting Luke Russell at lrussell@hopehaven.org or 605.401.3674.
2025 Distribution Trips
- Costa Rica: January 22 – 29
- Uganda: February 6 – 16
- Kenya: March 8 – 19
- Romania: March 19 – 30
- Ethiopia: April 25 – May 4
- Costa Rica: June 24 – July 1
- Kenya: November 2 - 15
Collection
Wheelchair drop-off locations:
- Sioux Falls, SD (521 N Kiwanis Ave) | To make arrangements call 605-401-3675
- Rock Valley, IA (1800 19th Street, PO Box 70) | To make arrangements call 712-476-2737
Attics and basements hold hidden treasures – wheelchairs and other medical equipment that are desperately needed around the world! You can do a one-time collection drive in your area or volunteer to be a drop off location for others to bring their wheelchairs throughout the year. You can be located anywhere in the country to participate in this.
Truck Drivers are also needed to help transport the wheelchairs across the continent back to NW Iowa.
Items We Accept:
- Wheelchairs In Repairable Condition
- Crutches (Not Wooden)
- Metal or Fiberglass Canes
- Shower Chairs
- Commodes
- Rollators
- Walkers
Items We Will Not Accept:
- Power Wheelchairs
- Catheters
- Physical Therapy Equipment
- Medical Equipment
- Wheelchairs That Are Beyond Repair
Prison
1,495,000+ Community Service Hours
HHI has a wheelchair warehouse inside the South Dakota State Penitentiary, where approximately 40 inmates serve community service hours working on wheelchairs. It’s a unique partnership because not only do the inmates have work to keep them busy, and the wheelchairs are going to a great cause, but the inmates lives are transformed through the pride they take in their work.
One inmate explains why he builds wheelchairs for people, “We give them freedom…something many of us will never have.” The inmates work 5 days a week on the wheelchairs. The tasks include sewing upholstery, molding trays, refurbishing wheelchairs, and manufacturing the ROC “tilt-in-space” wheelchair.
Jeff who has worked at the prison for many years says: “I could get paid at other jobs in the prison, but I stay here. I get such great satisfaction because little kids are going to get wheelchairs!
Matthew who also works at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, states: “The work puts my heart in motion. Working in this wheelchair shop, fixing wheelchairs for little kids, has transformed me, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically.”
Romania
Hope Haven International Ministries’ global outreach began in Romania in 1996. Officials charged with the overwhelming task of serving thousands of institutionalized people with disabilities requested that Hope Haven Executive Staff visit, assess, and advise on more effective implementation.
They found people with disabilities living in deplorable conditions, sensed God’s leading, and Hope Haven launched Portul Sperantei (Hope Haven in Romanian). In 1996, a missionary couple employed by Hope Haven began a wheelchair ministry in Romania. Daniel Mereuta, born in Barlad, worked under the missionary couple and became the Director in 1999.
The organization not only personally delivers wheelchairs to children and adults in need, but is intentional about building relationships with the recipients and their families. Portul Sperantei evangelizes to families and follows up with bi-annual holiday cards to verify their address and medical status.
Portul Sparentei also has a school program for children with disabilities. This offers children the opportunity to learn and grow in a school setting. The program is staffed by volunteer teachers and overseen by Daniel Mereuta.
Branson Cares
Branson Cares is a program that provides pediatric wheelchairs for children in need of mobility all around the world – thanks to generous patrons and donors like you!
Branson’s Music and Theatre Industry Organization, BAAMT, has been chosen to partner with Hope Haven International Ministries to spearhead this citywide effort.
“Branson has always had a big humanitarian heart. Working side by side with this global non-profit to provide pediatric wheelchairs for severely disabled children is something we hope all of Branson’s live shows and theaters can get behind… together,” said Bob Nichols, President of BAAMT.
Your donation goes towards a Hope Haven KidChair – a $275 pediatric wheelchair that easily adapts to a variety of children’s shapes, sizes, and positioning needs. A wheelchair empowers a child to go to school, interact with their peers, and participate in community activities!
Make A Difference With A Gift Of Hope - Sponsor A Wheelchair
When you sponsor a wheelchair, you transform a life. Wheelchairs offer individuals with disabilities the mobility, inclusion, and care they rightfully deserve. At our ministry, we ensure every wheelchair is safety-tested and tailored to meet the unique needs and size of each individual. A new wheelchair unlocks opportunities for education, employment, community involvement, and the chance to lead a fulfilling life.
Hope Haven KidChair
Our KidChair was designed with combined efforts from engineering students at Dordt University and rehabilitation engineers and specialists. It’s created in two sizes (12″–58 lbs and 14″–61 lbs) and easily adapts to a variety of children’s shapes, sizes, and positioning needs. The KidChair was inspected by an independent evaluation firm called Beneficial Designs in Minden, NV. The equipment “cleared all requirements” for a person up to 130 lbs.
The testing included: drop tests, static test, impact test, and fatigue tests, with every portion of the wheelchair measured and analyzed. Also, it meets the durability needs of very challenging environments, such as unpaved roads and uneven sidewalks.
Refurbished Wheelchair
Thousands of volunteers, many of them senior citizens, invest their retirement years and bring a lifetime of expertise and skill to repairing and refurbishing used wheelchairs, crafting new chair cushions, and sewing wheelchair accessories.
Wheelchairs provide people with disabilities the mobility, inclusion, and care they deserve and need. Our ministry provides quality wheelchairs that are safety-tested and tailored to meet the needs and size of each individual, giving people the opportunity to live a fulfilling life!
Make a difference today by sponsoring a Hope Haven KidChair for $300 or a Refurbished Wheelchair for $100. Your support brings mobility and independence to those in need!
