KC HELP is a local volunteer organization that loans hospital equipment to those in need in our community, AND IT'S COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. We carry everything from walkers to hospital beds, from lift chairs to portable bathroom items—if it’s hospital equipment likely to be needed during convalescence, rehabilitation, or aging, it’s probably available for loan. Regardless of circumstances, we try to help everyone we can.
We were established locally in 2017 when our Executive Director, Larry Devlin, drove an 18-ft trailer full of used hospital equipment from the KC HELP organization in Tri-Cities to his home on Bainbridge Island. He and his wife, Kathy, had hearts to serve and a mission to help those in need of the medical equipment in our Kitsap community.
Three years into the venture they were pleased beyond their hopes to have helped almost 400 people in 2020, and by last year, it had rapidly grown to about 2100 people served—over a five-fold increase in only 4 years! Over the course of the past 12 months, we loaned about 4,150 pieces of equipment from our two facilities on Bainbridge Island and in Bremerton—thousands of items put to good use rather than contributing to a landfill. The economic benefit to KC HELP recipients is estimated to be over $1,300,000 for 2024!
Throughout our area, from Gig Harbor to Hansville, from Bainbridge Island to Seabeck, KC HELP is now routinely helping those in need of medical equipment. Without a doubt, things have changed since Larry first set out on this charitable work just eight years ago.
2025 is shaping up to be another eventful year for us. We have been very fortunate the past few years to be accommodated by the Bremerton St. Vincent De Paul (SVdP), at an ideal location, 1186 N Wycoff Ave, Bremerton. Now SVdP is in the process of redeveloping the property and we are planning to move to a new location only a block away from our current location. We have established a Capital Campaign to raise funds for our move forward and are using this year's Kitsap Great Give to begin that campaign.
Making this year's KGG is an especially good time to show your support of our efforts with a KC HELP donation!
For further information, or if you have any questions (or if you’d like to help in any way), please call us at: 360-329-2461, or email: kchelp.kofc@gmail.com.
KC HELP is a tax-exempt public charity under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Although it was founded by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service order, and most the volunteers are members of the Knights, they are a standalone, separate nonprofit organization from the Knights of Columbus.
Giving Activity
Mission
To provide no-cost durable medical equipment for home use during periods of illness, convalescence, and aging, for as long as needed.
Needs
We often have to purchase new batteries for electric wheelchairs/scooters and repair parts for damaged or aged equipment. Additionally, we currently rent a large warehouse to store, repair, and loan out our medical equipment and need donations to help pay for rent and utilities. Your donation will allow us to continue to loan medical equipment to anyone who needs it, FREE OF CHARGE, for as long as they need it.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Summary
Organization name
KC HELP (Knights Community Hospital Equipment Lend Program)
other names
KC HELP Western WA, KC HELP Bremerton
Tax id (EIN)
85-4232541
Categories
Human Services, Health
Geography Served
Bremerton, North Mason, Port Orchard/South Kitsap, Silverdale/Central Kitsap, Poulsbo/North Kitsap, Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island
Annual Revenue
$100,000 - $499,999
BIPOC Serving
Asian or Asian American, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American or American Indian, Middle Eastern or North African, Hispanic, Latino or Latinx, African American/Black