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WHAT IS THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY?
The House of Hope of Alachua County is a Not-for-Profit Corporation, formed under the laws of the State of Florida, and is qualified as a 501(c)(3) corporation with the IRS and complies with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rules and regulations. The House of Hope of Alachua County is a volunteer driven, faith-based support program for Christians recently released from incarceration. Currently, the program provides housing and services for 27 men and 8 women per year. We are a smoke free facility. [ about us | back to top].

WHO STARTED THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY?
The House of Hope of Alachua County was started in 1996 by inter-denominational Christians. They were concerned about the inability of the secular correctional systems to provide for the continued spiritual support, including basic needs and social skills, for Christian inmates upon release from prison. [back to top]

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY?
To provide food, shelter, opportunities for employment, life-skills training, and a short term Christian home for inmates recently released from prison so as to enable them, as guests, to "get on their feet" during that initial critical time, so that they may become productively assimilated into society through the grace of Christian love. Also, to provide local mission and service opportunities for other agencies, groups, churches, ministries, etc., to assist and help prepare its guests to become integrated member of society and the area's Christian community. [back to top]

HOW DOES THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY ACCOMLISH THIS?
The House of Hope of Alachua County accomplishes this mission almost entirely through private donations, support from local and regional churches, and community volunteers as well as much needed prayer. [back to top]

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET AN APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM?
Inmates should contact their facility Chaplain and request that the Chaplain) contact the House of Hope of Alachua County on behalf of the inmate. To initiate the screening process, the Chaplain need only provide the individual's full name, I.D. number and address. [back to top]

HOW ARE PROGRAM APPLICANTS SELECTED?
Individuals are referred to the program by a prison or jail Chaplain and/or prison ministry volunteer. The individuals then must submit a written application to the program’s screening committee. Applicants are carefully screened as to:

  1. The nature of their criminal history.
  2. Their record of behavior during incarceration.
  3. Chapel and Bible study attendance.
  4. Participation in treatment programs.
  5. Participation in educational and vocational programs.
  6. Positive references from third parties. and
  7. The strength of a personal interview.
  8. If an applicant meets the standards for program participation, then he is selected and place on the waiting list for admittance. [back to top]

DOES THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY REFUSE TO CONSIDER CERTAIN APPLICANTS?
Yes, some applicants are denied admittance to the program after review of their application submitted by the screening committee. Reasons for application denial may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Negative recommendation(s) by the Chaplain.
  2. Because of our proximity to childcare facilities, Probation & Parole forbids sex offenders.
  3. The applicant is unable to work.
  4. The applicant takes psychotropic drugs.
  5. Negative feedback from reference(s). and/or
  6. Unsatisfactory work or disciplinary record during incarceration. [back to top]

WHAT ARE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED TO DO?
Program participants are required to commit to a minimum 3-6 month stay at the House of Hope. In doing so, they agree to:

  1. Actively participate in church.
  2. Attend mandatory bible study and spiritual counseling sessions.
  3. Perform community service & volunteers projects.
  4. Obtain and continue gainful employment.
  5. Establish secured savings.
  6. Comply with all legal requirements regarding their post-release Conduct.
  7. Pay rent and perform chores at the house.
  8. Obey program rules and regulations.
  9. Stay alcohol & drug free.
  10. Do whatever it takes to stay free. [back to top]

DOES THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY ASSIST PARTICIPANTS FIND EMPLOYMENT?
Yes. Program participants are free to seek employment wherever they choose. However, the House of Hope of Alachua County has developed long-term relationships with area employers who are ready and willing to hire program participants. Employment can’t be on Sundays or evenings, so that one can partake in programs. Many participants choose to stay on with these employers and advance with these companies through apprenticeship and management training programs. [back to top]

WHAT DO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS GET IN RETURN?
Participants are surrounded by loving and caring individuals who take a personal interest in their success. Many participants develop long term friendships with their new employers, church families, and Christian friends. For many of the participants, this is the first time in their lives they have been treated with respect and held accountable for their actions, living a decent lifestyle. The program provides them with a strong foundation towards living independently, as productive, drug free, law abiding citizens within the community. [back to top]

IS HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL?
Yes. Statistics tell us that almost two-thirds of all Florida inmates released from jail or prison are re-arrested! In stark contrast, since its beginnings in 1996, 85% of our program graduates have not returned to a life of crime. When they become productive members of society, they do not return to a life of crime. Some of our clients are now married, holding permanent employment and attending college.[back to top]

WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY?
Unfortunatley, nobody much cares for released inmates except to shun them from their neighborhoods and communities. The House of Hope of Alachua County is a way of bringing the light of a better future and the hope for a new start to ex-offenders in Alachua County. Likewise, our program is primarily driven by the community generosity and volunteers. Thus, your donations of money, goods, and services have a direct impact on the program and the clients it supports. You are able to impact the lives of transformed people for the better. Each individual makes a positive contribution rather than increasing our crime rate. [back to top]

WHAT DO COMMUNITY LEADERS SAY ABOUT THE HOUSE OF HOPE OF ALACHUA COUNTY?

  • "I was involved in founding the House of Hope and believe it is a very worthwhile enterprise. I encourage everybody to support the House of Hope." - Perry McGriff

  • "Sometimes the only way we can have 'hope' is by hearing from another person who has walked in similar shoes. That is exactly what Thomas Johnson (Director of House of Hope) offers and why I selected the House of Hope for TV 20's Makin' Good News Segment." - Beth Younggren, TV-20 News

  • "The House of Hope offers a firm foundation for men seeking a new direction." - Stephen Oelrich, Alachua County Sheriff

  • "It is imperative that inmates make a successful transition from prison to public life. Thank God for the House of Hope and the vital role it plays in this mission." - Steve Summerlin

  • "House of Hope is an excellent program due to the careful screening process and the providing of a positive structured environment. It is successful because it revolves around personal responsibility and accountability." - Robert Woody

  • "Men coming out of prison need a good friend, a family, a home, a real God. Not a God they read about in a book, but one who has arms that hug, hands that help, a tongue that encourages and eyes that weep. House of Hope is about relationships, the staff and volunteers pour their lives into these men, showing them the living God, probably for the first time ever." - Bill Larson

  • "Ex-prisoners face giant steps just in the first few days of coming home. We help keep them from stumbling." - HOH
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