The purpose of MAN-UP is to give men a chance to move from addiction to freedom, from the battlefield to civilian life, from selfishness to selflessness, from homelessness to self-sufficient and to realize that to have true success in life, you must first have character and self-respect. This program inspires men to look beyond the difficulties of their past, so that they can see how much power they have over their own lives, as well as the lives of those around them. We share that to MAN-UP you must be respectful and faithful to yourself, to your commitments, and to your word.

MAN-UP was started when Heidi Hemp realized that there was little compassion or concern for men. Everyone is quick to assist the pregnant teen or the single mom, and those are worthy causes, but what about the boy who’s trying to be a man? What about the soldier that is now living on the streets? What about the drug addict or the alcoholic trying to get sober? What about the man who abuses women because that’s all he’s ever seen? Even the drug dealer is someone’s son! If you’ve never had a father, a father figure, or a man to look up to, how are you ever going to develop the character to respect yourself or others? It’s hard to make good decisions when you don’t know the difference between a good decision and a bad decision. We have a lot of boys, but not many men. It’s time to give men respect and to teach self-respect. Men today need tools to help them realize dreams, and to be productive members of society.

MAN-UP is one of Arizona Hygiene for Hope’s signature programs that serves 500 men who are all encouraged to work their way out of their past, so they can see just how much power they have over their own lives, as well as how much positive influence they can have over the lives of those around them. Hygiene items, clothing, socks, boxer briefs and a delicious lunch are just some of what they receive.