04/06/2026
Shawn Webber
“Hope Center isn’t a traditional program provider. It’s a point of daily hope and dignity for folks; a place where they can shower, do laundry, get clean clothes, groceries and a warm meal. It’s a point of entry to services - services it truly takes a village provide – that come together through the Hope Center. I can’t tell you how many people have received services there and ultimately made the decision to take the next step in reclaiming their lives. Everybody needs point of hope and the Hope Center provides that by giving people access to the help and care they need,” says Shawn Webber, Oroville City Councilor.
As a city councilor Webber speaks from observation but, he also speaks from personal experience.
In 2014, Webber returned to his family and home in Oroville after serving nearly five years in prison after being convicted of four bank robberies. Clean and sober after an addiction to drugs that started when he was 12, the 39-year-old was required to perform restitution through community service.
“I wanted to perform those hours with a faith-based organization if I could,” recalls Webber, now 51. “I had strong urge to serve in the community; an overwhelming desire to be a blessing not a curse like I had been. I was pointed to the Hope Center.”
Webber “volunteered” daily at the center serving as the “floor minister” -praying with people, cooking for the homeless, assisting with donations and working with the center’s founders and the city to start a program to clean up trash and graffiti around town.
“It was at the Hope Center that I really learned the fundamental principles of treating people with dignity and respect, love and kindness no matter how rich or poor they are, no matter where they are in life,” said Webber.
Once his mandatory hours were complete, Webber remained at the center volunteering for three years as he worked to establish his own successful carpet cleaning business. Then, in 2022, Webber ran for and was elected to the Oroville City Council. While his term on the council ends this year, he says he’s done serving and has thrown his hat in the race for mayor.
“My beginnings into community service at the Hope Center led me to where I am now. My life of service and my entire political career started there,” said Webber. “What I learned there – serving others, creating programs, following through, putting my hand to the plow and not turning back; built the truth I live today.”
