As we move forward in helping people it’s always a good idea to follow up on where we have been and to evaluate the effectiveness of what we are doing.
Deed and Truth birthed a new ministry called House2Home which bridges the gap between institutional living and independent living for those who graduate from recovery programs. We launched this ministry by serving Hope Gardens Family Center graduates 17 months ago right when the pandemic hit. God extended our borders by connecting us with both the Orange County Rescue Mission and Teen Challenge.
God has amazed us along the way. We initially set a goal of ten families to serve in 2020. By the end of the year, Deed and Truth House2Home, had helped to end homelessness for 23 families.
We soon realized that God’s plans were much bigger than our meager faith. He wanted us to Dream Big. Therefore, we have made it a ministry strategy to recruit, train, and empower multiple H2H teams in both Los Angeles and Orange County. We currently have six H2H teams to help carry the load and “adopt” these families.
In the first six months of 2021 we have moved in an additional 20 families making the total 43 in 17 months. We also have a strategy to follow up with the families we move in. We are now in the process of connecting the moms and dads with phone friends to provide ongoing encouragement through texts and calls. We also provide pastoral counseling for spiritual needs and have hired a professional Christian therapist on retainer to provide free mental health support for all of the H2H families when needed.
Those who work in recovery ministry know that overcoming addiction and abuse is extremely difficult and sometimes the success rate is lower than hoped for but we are pleased to report that of the 43 families Deed and Truth has provided the H2H blessing all 43 are still in their homes today, almost all working and moving forward in their life transformation journey.
Daisy was the first recipient of H2H 17 months ago. Today she is enjoying her home, relishing her time with her children, and advancing at your career as a drug and alcohol case manager. Check out this touching video about Daisy’s journey, her H2H experience, and how she is doing now.
And as always… a special shout out to all of you who support us financially, practically, and with your prayers whose partnership with us makes this a reality for deserving people like Daisy and her precious children.
Pastor Dan & Betty, this is so exciting!! God is good! Can’t wait to help out with H2H soon!