Albany Helping Hands was founded as a non-affiliated, independent, faith-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1998. Its roots go back to the early 1980s with services and a seasonal shelter provided by Pastor Les Bailey and others. For fourteen years, starting in 1984, Pastor Bailey ran a shelter from Oak Hill Community Church of God in Albany, Oregon. Pastor Les Bailey had a gift with people in crisis and in need, those experiencing homelessness and the hungry. People who were hurting would gravitate to Pastor Bailey, and personal and spiritual relationships were established.

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In 1998, the shelter separated from the church and became Albany Helping Hands, an independent, non-denominational, faith-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, an equal opportunity provider, and an employer. The nonprofit organization has been supported over the years primarily by donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations.

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Albany Helping Hands (AHH) has grown from sheltering a few people during extreme winter weather in a small church on Main Street to operating a year-round men's and women's shelter, transitional houses, a three-meal-a-day kitchen for Registered Shelter Guests, a home for mothers with children, and the following business that provide on the job training; AHH Thrift Store, AHH U-Haul dealership, and the AHH firewood lot.

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The Bailey Home, for mothers with children, brings one of Pastor Les Bailey's dreams to reality. A six-bedroom home with 2 1/2 baths provides a home for ten occupants. This Home operates within the mission of Albany Helping Hands, serving as a transitional home for mothers with children. The Bailey Home is named in honor of Albany Helping Hands founder, the late Pastor Les Bailey. His faith in God and love for people shaped his vision for building this organization.