Shepherd’s House expands housing for women and children with $3 million award
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Shepherd's House Ministries has received a $3 million award to grow their "Abi's House" program, which houses at-risk women and children in Central Oregon.
Currently, Abi's House can only serve 10 people. But with this funding, the program will grow to 40 participants.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than one-third of the homeless population in Oregon is women and the program currently has to turn away many applicants due to limited space.
The project involves purchasing multiple residences and units in the same area to create a network of safe housing.
Jerry Kaping, the director of development for Shepherd's House Ministries, said the campus model is designed to provide 24-hour support.
"The reason why we're building this campus is so that they will have community on an everyday basis, 24-7," Kaping said. "They'll have friends, they'll have family, and they'll have shepherd's house right next to their side."
The specific locations of the homes in the Abi's House network are kept secret, to protect the privacy and safety of the women and children staying there.
Gina Stout serves as the CEO of Shepherd's House Ministries. She said the additional space will provide trauma-informed care for women and children overcoming addiction, abuse and chronic instability.
"This project represents what's possible when community partners come together to address homelessness and promote long-term stability for people with compassion and intention," Stout said. "It will allow us to say 'yes' to women and children who too often hear 'there's no room.' By expanding Abi's House, we're creating more than just shelter. We are creating safe, healing spaces where women can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope."
The award comes from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Summit Bank facilitated the award through the loan bank. Gary O'Connell, the Central Oregon market president for Summit Bank, said the partnership is intended to strengthen local communities.
"Supporting efforts like this are one of the most meaningful parts of what we do at Summit Bank," O'Connell said. "We are proud to partner in bringing Federal Home Loan Bank grant funding into our communities and to support organizations that are making a real difference in people's lives every day. This kind of investment helps strengthen the places we call home and we are honored to be a part of it."
Shepherd's House Ministries expects the new expansion to be completed within six months to a year.
