About Us
Holding Out HELP (HOH) is dedicated to providing full-service care for individuals from polygamous communities. Our experienced team, along with trusted volunteers, works diligently to understand and meet the unique needs of this population. Through personalized case management, we guide each client on their path to stability and independence.
In collaboration with a strong network of partners, HOH offers essential resources including housing, food, clothing, counseling, education, and more. The "HELP" in our name reflects our mission: Helping, Encouraging, and Loving Polygamists.
Founder's Story
Holding Out HELP (HOH) was founded in 2008 after a family fleeing a polygamous community arrived at our founder Tonia’s doorstep. Shocked by the control, abuse, and isolation happening within these closed groups — right in her own backyard — Tonia saw the need for an organization to walk alongside those seeking freedom. When individuals leave, they often lose everything: family, friends, and support. HOH was created to offer unconditional love, encouragement, and essential resources, helping clients heal and build a new life filled with hope.
What is polygamy?
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse, most commonly one man with multiple wives. While it is illegal in much of North America, it continues to be practiced—often in secret—by certain religious or cultural groups. These communities can be highly insular, with strict rules, rigid gender roles, and powerful leadership structures that control many aspects of daily life.
An estimated 60,000 to 100,000 polygamists live across the Western United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the largest concentration in and around Utah. While every group, family, and individual has a unique story, many of those served by HOH have experienced deep trauma and oppression. Leaving — or being expelled from — their communities often comes with profound loss: family ties, financial security, and a sense of belonging. Feelings of judgment, abandonment, and isolation are common. HOH provides a safe haven, offering compassionate support and a community where hope for a brighter future can begin to grow.
FAQ
No, Holding Out HELP does not exclusively serve individuals who are leaving polygamous communities. While we do assist many individuals who are in the process of leaving, we also provide support to those who are still in polygamous communities. We do not take a stance on whether someone should leave or stay; our focus is on offering support, resources, and a safe space for anyone who comes from a polygamous background, regardless of where they are in their journey. We welcome individuals at all stages and are dedicated to helping those who seek assistance, no matter their current circumstances.
No. Holding Out HELP is exclusively dedicated to supporting individuals who come from polygamous backgrounds. While many of the individuals we serve have also experienced trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse, our services are specifically designed for those from polygamous communities. We welcome individuals at all stages of their journey and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where survivors can rebuild their lives.
No, polygamy and the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) are not the same. Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses, which can be found in various religious and cultural groups worldwide. The FLDS is a specific religious sect that practices polygamy and is run by Warren Jeffs. While the FLDS is one of the more well-known groups practicing polygamy, there are many other polygamous communities, each with its own beliefs and practices such as the Kingstons, AUB, LeBarons, and more.
No. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of polygamy in the late 1800s and does not support or allow it today. Modern polygamous groups are separate from the LDS Church, even though many use similar language, religious terms, or historical references. These groups often interpret beliefs and practices in their own ways for their own purposes.
Holding Out HELP serves individuals who come from polygamous communities or who have been directly impacted by polygamy, such as family members or partners. Having an LDS background alone does not qualify someone for services unless they have been directly affected by polygamy.