The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Welcome
Welcome to Hot Mess Express Tampa Affiliate! We’re a women-led nonprofit community committed to showing up for the women in the Tampa Bay area with compassion, not judgement. Through cleaning, organizing and creating a fresh start, we bring relief, dignity and hope when it’s needed most.
We’re more than a nonprofit – we’re a movement, a sisterhood, and a safe haven for the perfectly imperfect. Together, we turn life’s “hot messes” into powerful messages of resilience and renewal.
Join us as we lift one another up, one home at a time, one heart at a time. Together, we’re unstoppable.
About Hot Mess Express Tampa
WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
Hot Mess Express is a women-led community built on compassion, connection, and showing up for one another when life feels overwhelming. We believe everyone needs a little help sometimes, and that’s exactly what we provide.
Through nominations, our volunteers “dispatch” themselves to the homes of women in need—folding laundry, washing dishes, vacuuming, organizing, and tackling the everyday tasks that can feel impossible in tough seasons.
Whether someone is navigating postpartum depression, medical challenges, social struggles, or just the heavy weight of life’s demands, Hot Mess Express steps in to ease the load and bring back a sense of hope.
Founded in North Carolina in 2021, the movement quickly grew. Our Tampa Affiliate launched in 2023 thanks to Christy Hartsell Lott, and has since blossomed into a thriving sisterhood of more than 1,500 members. We’re 100% volunteer-powered—no one pays for services, and no one gets paid. Every act of service comes from the hearts and hands of women helping women.
Join us in this vibrant movement.
No judgment…no shame…just love.
Meet Your Affiliate Coordinators
Cristy Hartsell Lott
Affiliate Coordinator
Tampa Affiliate Founder, Est. 2023
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Cristy has called Palmyra, Tennessee home for seven years and is now loving living in her forever state of Florida. She’s currently a stay-a-home wife, mother and grandmother. Previously worked in Law Enforcement, Special Education and Addiction Counseling, Cristy believes that everyone can use a little boost sometimes and she is ready to lead the way – with a love of family community, and passion for helping others. In her spare time, Cristy enjoys raising her small farm of animals – especially her rescue horse, Country. She also enjoys gardening, traveling, adventuring and crafting. Cristy spends her days chasing after her grandson Jaxson and getting baby snuggles from Zen – and has a great love for all her children and grandchildren. Cristy’s biggest passion is paying it forward by supporting women in our community. Let’s make a positive impact together. Unleashing the power of women to conquer the chaos and build a stronger community. Embrace the chaos! Empowering women to help each other thrive. Let’s channel our collective energy for a greater cause. Join our movement!
Heather Hembree
Affiliate Coordinator
Member since 2023
Originally from Central Illinois, Heather has called Tampa home since 2007. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she served the geriatric population as a home health speech-language pathologist.
Heather believes that no matter how big or small the act of kindness, our light always has the power to shine on others. With a deep commitment to community, her passion is serving women and mothers—the backbone of our neighborhoods.
In her free time, Heather loves traveling, adventuring, and bringing women together through women’s circles and events. She’s also an avid DIY-er and recently welcomed her first child in 2023, making her even more inspired to create spaces of connection, support, and joy for families.
How can I get involved?
At Hot Mess Express Tampa, there’s a place for everyone. Whether you want to volunteer your time, nominate yourself or a friend, or make a donation, we’d love for you to be part of our community of change-makers.
Join Our Private Facebook Group
Click below to connect with our growing sisterhood, stay updated on missions, and see where we’re serving next.
No Facebook? No Problem.
Simply fill out the volunteer or nominee form below, and we’ll keep you updated on upcoming missions and opportunities.
Support Our Mission
Not able to volunteer right now? Your donation helps us reach more women, provide more support, and expand our impact in the Tampa Bay area. Every gift—big or small—makes a difference.
Together, we’re lifting each other up—one home at a time, one heart at a time.
Every small, unselfish action nudges the world into a better path.
FAQs
Can someone under 18 volunteer?
While we love inspiring the younger generation, it’s a liability issue. Beyond getting hurt, we are deep in these families’ personal spaces, and sometimes we encounter things that are not kid-friendly. Also, If a woman is asking for help and she sees a minor showing up to do what she can’t, that can be a serious kick in the shins for someone already struggling.
Are you a 501(c)3 organization?
Yes, we are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
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