2025 My SoCal Hospital Heroes Awards Gala
Humanitarians of the Year
Ken Craft and Rowan Vansleve HASC Honors Ken Craft and Rowan Vansleve with Humanitarian Award
In 2010, Rowan joined the mission, eventually becoming President and CFO. Known for his creativity and fearless dedication, Rowan helped steer the organization through a major financial crisis in 2017, when Hope the Mission had only 10 days of operating funds left. Together, he and Ken not only stabilized the nonprofit but grew it into a life changing operation that now provides millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of nights of shelter every year.
When you meet Ken Craft and Rowan Vansleve, the heart and soul behind Hope the Mission, you immediately understand why they are being honored as true humanitarians—leaders whose commitment extends beyond homelessness relief to vital health care advocacy and support across Southern California. Ken founded Hope the Mission ( formerly Hope of the Valley) in 2009 with a simple yet powerful belief: no one should face hunger or homelessness alone and the streets are not a waiting room until more affordable housing is available. Starting with a modest kitchen at San Pablo Lutheran Church, he began serving meals and building trust with the unhoused community in the San Fernando Valley. His vision was clear—meet people where they are, provide immediate relief and create pathways to long term stability.
Under their leadership, Hope the Mission has become a trusted bridge to health care, offering thousands of referrals to medical and mental health services each year—even stepping in personally to support individuals facing critical health crises. One powerful story involves a guest named Joe, who was diagnosed with a heart defect while receiving help through Hope. Ken personally assured him that he would have a place to heal through surgery and recovery—a promise kept. Joe went on to graduate 6