- Salvation. Salvation is in Jesus alone. He taught love and respect.
- Restoration via relational reconciliation, based on personal accountability and integrity.
- Stewardship of the resources God has provided.
God first
Open House Ministries (OHM) is a Christ-centered, life-restoring family shelter. We are dedicated to teaching homeless families how to have healthy relationships with each other, their community and Christ. We believe that at the root of life change is the realization that there is an answer bigger than ourselves; that the “answer” is a loving, forgiving God who brings strength to the weak.
Time and again, we have seen lives restored, faith renewed and the cycle of homelessness broken when the whole person — mind, body and spirit — is treated. Within the context of a supportive and loving Christian community, families thrive here.
Family strong
Family is the core social unit. Every shelter family lives together in a private studio apartment. Parents prepare their own meals and are responsible to manage their living space and their family. Children are required to attend school or our on-site, state-certified day care. Adults receive individualized case management, family counseling, life skills, continuing education and job training. Classes and programs specifically for couples, parenting, relationship management and family financial management are among the supportive ways families grow stronger at Open House Ministries.
Personal accountability
Essential to the success of our residents is a high level of support, balanced by a high level of expectation. We are a 100 percent drug- and alcohol-free facility. Any client who enters our shelter is guided by these important ideals:
- You are not a victim. If you take responsibility for your problems, we will equip you with the tools that will enable you to become a responsible, contributing member of society.
- You have great possibilities. We believe that God is deeply concerned with the welfare of all. While you are in our care, we will help you reach your potential and get you ready to participate in — and contribute to — the world around you.
- You can stay a week at a time, for as long as it takes. Program participation, which is created for you based on your individual situation, is a key component for realizing success. Residents making steady progress towards pre-established goals are welcome to stay a week at a time, for as long as it takes.
- You are accountable for your actions. Program success is measured every week in one-on-one meetings with case management staff. We require active participation in a variety of classes, job training and finding work outside of the shelter.
