Paul Bains

Pastor Paul Bains is Founder, President and CEO of WeHOPE in East Palo Alto. A second-generation Peninsula resident and community organizer, he is deeply rooted in all aspects of the local community, including the nonprofit, for-profit, government, law enforcement (Chaplaincy Program) and faith-based sectors. Through his work at WeHOPE and throughout the Bay Area, Paul is fulfilling his lifelong commitment of helping the most marginalized individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and create a more promising future.

As a widely recognized community activist and advocate for social justice, he is a sought-after and celebrated speaker. His talks provide individuals and companies with a safe place to have courageous conversations about race and equity and our responsibility to create the positive change we desire in the world.

His commitment to serving the community extends beyond his work with WeHOPE. Paul is chaplain for the East Palo Alto, Palo Alto and Menlo Park police departments, serves as the pastor for Saint Samuel Church, and sits on numerous boards, including, City Team, Able Works and Peninsula Healthcare. He joined the Second Harvest Board in 2019.

Paul has three daughters with his wife, Cheryl. In his spare time, he can be found cheering the Warriors and Raiders on to victory, spending time with his family at the movies, or preparing his famous lamb or ribs on the grill for friends to enjoy.