In This Article
History Drives the Future
Reflecting on 35th anniversary and the opportunities ahead drive change
In 1991, unhoused families were sleeping in their cars, on couches, and living without hope. A group of concerned Christian citizens saw this need and took action. Cobbled together on a shoestring budget in a modest four-bedroom home on Irwin Ave., Freedom House Ministries was born. Compassion and faith guided what is now a thriving nonprofit 35 years later.
Family homelessness still carries the same threads it did three-plus decades ago. Today, the barriers holding families back are woven even tighter together. The housing market is unaffordable, the cost of living has risen, supportive financial assistance has been reduced and relationships are strained. What has changed for the good is the breadth of shelter services and resources now available to families.
As each year has passed, families have rebuilt their lives and gained the confidence to never to look back. Parents have overcome immense challenges, and children no longer carry the pain of uncertainty. Smiles have widened, and prayers have been answered.
The reality that spurred us in 1991 remains the same today: no family should have to experience homelessness. Period. Hundreds of families have secured housing and stabilized their lives, yet families in our community still need our help today. They shouldn’t face uncertainty alone.
With the support of visionary leaders, volunteers, and community supporters, families feel loved and cared for more than ever before. More resources are available to change their trajectory of homelessness. Freedom House will always help families, just as our founders dreamed years ago.
Thirty-five years ago, a few faithful people decided it was their problem to solve. Let’s keep building together, brick by brick, family by family.
This fall, you are invited to honor the roots of history and look ahead to serving more families. Freedom House Ministries is launching a 35th Anniversary Challenge Match in September. Every dollar from supporters who give above last year’s contributions and new donors will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
