Joshua House Restoration

"Without support I'll fall flat on my face."

Before

After

From Source 1999 Update
- Vol. 5, No. 2

October '99, marks the first anniversary of when Source paid a down payment on the Joshua House (the first three years houses were leased for the transitional housing program). We have spent the last year on building projects to expand the living space and restore the old building. Projects have included basement bedrooms and bathroom, two basement egress windows, exterior and interior painting, winterizing and landscaping. Taking a battered house, cleaning it up, investing time and energy, and restoring its use is a great physical example of what is happening with the young men the Joshua House is serving.

Homelessness, alternative religions, negative male role-models, and drugs are all past issues that need to be overcome. Physical needs, affordable transitional housing and free food are provided for (most do not have a job when they move in) to create an environment where emotional stability, spiritual growth, and life skills are developed. Each week a different member of the house participates with a local food distribution program for the inner-city. The leaders, Bible studies, and goal-setting groups give the accountability, direction, encouragement, and support needed to make a foundation for a positive future.

Several men "graduated" this summer and moved on after living in the Joshua House for 4-8 months. It is exciting to see the changes in their lives. Keeping jobs, finishing college (one is attending a Bible school), paying bills, making positive choices, staying off drugs, attending local churches, and maintaining encouraging relationships are fruits we have seen in the young men who have lived at the Discipleship houses since 1995.

"I was into drugs. A lot of drugs and heavy drinking. It is so important for me to be living with Christian guys because I need someone to hold me accountable. On my own, I have a tendency to allow myself to get away with things I really shouldn't do."

After three years of leasing houses for transitional housing. A down payment for the Joshua House was made Oct. '98.