New organization ready to offer hope to those in need

When the time came for the Community Reformed Church to choose between demolishing a rundown rental property or tackling the daunting task of rebuilding to make way for a charitable vision, the church chose the more difficult road of service to its community. Now, one year later, the Haven of Hope house is ready to provide temporary housing to those in need. Haven of Hope is a non-profit organization created to oversee the provision of short-term emergency shelter at the renovated house owned by the Community Reformed Church for individuals or families who have been struck by disaster and are without a place to stay. Whether due to a fire or other natural disaster, eviction or other event, Haven of Hope is ready to offer temporary relief to those in need. “We want to offer more than just a place to stay,” said Eric Johnson, pastor of the Community Reformed Church. “Losing a job, being evicted, we understand that people needing this face some serious challenges. We want them to feel cared for and help affirm their dignity.” Although the Haven of Hope house is still owned by the Community Reformed Church, the church leases the property to the independent non-profit organization for the cost of liability insurance. Individuals and families wishing to to stay at Haven of Hope will be referred through the Salvation Army, and the guiding decisions of the organization are made by an eight-member board. However, Johnson noted the success of the house will be determined by the support it finds from community members, churches and businesses. “We hope it will become much more community-wide,” he said. “We’re hoping it not only provides a good service to those who need it but also opportunities for people in the community to get involved.” Haven of Hope is seeking groups — from churches and other organizations to individuals in the community with a burden to serve those who are struggling — to sponsor the house for a month at a time. Those groups would clean the house and make preparations as new guests arrive throughout the month while caring for their needs when they are staying at the house. The organization also is hoping to form partnerships with existing organizations to better meet the guests’ needs and will be supported by public donations, grants and government funding. “We have a lot of hopes for how this could develop,” Johnson said. Haven of Hope has been a labor of love for the many individuals, groups and businesses that have contributed to its renovation. Sully Co-op donated all the new doors, five casement windows and offered discounted prices on all the roofing and siding. Local resident Ron VanManen donated the picture window, and Tim White donated lumber. Farver True Value donated paint and numerous other supplies, and Scott Farver donated sinks, a vanity, garbage disposal and fixtures. DePenning & Associates Inc. Electrical donated time and materials, and Gene Miller donated a sliding door. First Lutheran Church provided cleaning and hospitality supplies, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church constructed the handicap ramp and many other volunteers gave countless hours toward the house’s transformation. Grants from Wal-Mart, Jasper County United Way and the Maytag Family Foundation, as well as local churches and other groups, also helped make the vision a reality. “We did probably a $40,000 to $50,000 renovation for $10,000,” Johnson said. “Volunteers have put in countless hours to create a cozy house that will make guests feel comfortable and welcome.” Individuals, churches and other groups interested in supporting Haven of Hope are asked to contact Johnson at (641) 831-3391. “Anyone who wants to be a part of this, we’d love to have them,” he said.