18 Month Program

Be referred by a local organization such as West Care, Cap Recovery or personally by an affiliate of the program. 

Application Process:

• Submit a paper application 
• Participate in an interview
• Placement into home that fits their needs and personality

Once an applicant has been accepted, the program timeline is a maximum of 18 months.

  Each will pay a small monthly fee of $550 which includes: 

               (This fee can change at anytime with notice)

•  Food
•  Utilities
•  Internet
•  Private bedroom with TV

Participants will also have access to: Assistance with job placement within 90 days

• Spiritual Guidance
• Financial Guidance
• Savings Program
• Opportunities to Give Back to the Community
• Must follow House Rules

• To be accepted into the HOTR, they must have the financial means to at minimum pay the monthly fee.
• As part of the House program, we want to make sure each participant has the ability to support themselves when they leave.
• It is mandatory for each participant to have a legal paying job within the first 90 days of their stay.

      HOTR is connected with several local organizations willing to hire participants if needed. 

• A successful component of the program is that the participant can provide for themselves financially and in many cases their families. 
• They must also apply for assistance with Fresno Housing Authority within 30 days of entering the House. The Housing Authority can be another means of financial help and finding low-income housing. 

• While friendships and a since of belonging is a natural benefit of being at the HOTR, we also encouraged the men to attend church services, church functions and bible studies that are held regularly.
• Attending church services and functions give the men the opportunity to be a part of a loving church family.
• They can volunteer in many capacities, which encourages teamwork and togetherness.
• They can help others, which can be very rewarding.
• Bible studies teach and encourage. 

The church and its members are the main reason why so many have changed their lives while at the HOTR.  The friendships cultivated and belonging to a loving church family continues long after the men leave the program.

We have been fortunate to have supported over 200 people since the program began and out of those 60+ have successfully returned to a productive life.

Mandatory financial guidance classes are provided to educate participants on basic concepts to promote financial stability such as maintaining a bank account, establishing a budget, the benefits of having a savings account and investing in their future...

A significant  obstacle for participants that have completed the program is having the financial means to be self-sufficient away from the HOTR. A savings program would be available for men after living in the HOTR for 3 months. A local bank account would be opened with the help of the program and for the remainder of their stay (15 months) the program would match dollar for dollar of savings deposited up to $100 per month. The money that they deposit will always be theirs to do what they want, however in order to receive the monthly match amount, the money deposited must remain in the account. We would fund the matching dollars at the end of the 18-month stay and the participant would have access to the full amount upon completion of the program. If they are removed from the program for any reason, they would forfeit the matching funds. They must complete the program and be in good standings to receive the benefit. 

• A savings program would have lasting benefits:
• Encourage and help them learn financial responsibility.
• Equip them with a bank account for future use.
• Teach and show them how to save and the benefit of doing so.
• This benefit would provide them up to $3,000 for a fresh start.
• Self-gratification and pride knowing they saved their own money to start a new life.

The men have a chance to give back to the community by donating their time to the distribution of food run by the HOTR and hosted by Woodward Park Church of Christ. Since 2013 the HOTR has partnered with the California Food Bank and with the help of Woodward Park Church of Christ have feed thousands of people. Three days a week, the men are responsible for picking up food at various locations and storing it. On Mondays and Fridays of every week they pass out food to hundreds of Fresno area residents in need. On the first Saturday of every month, the Church hosts a citywide food distribution for as many as 300 to 400 families, equating from 1,200 to 1,300 people. 

Woodward Park Church of Christ and its members have been the main support mechanism in keeping the HOTR operating since it’s inception. Although the HOTR now has its own 501(c)3 and a board of directors overseeing the daily operations, the church is still very much involved in the spiritual wellbeing of the HOTR men. Over the years, we have seen long lasting special bonds develop between many church members and the HOTR participants. The men of the house help by doing small jobs and have volunteered as a moving crew for members turned friends.

The church will always play an important part in these participant’s lives, even after completion of the program. This is an incredible opportunity to help others within their community and church family. It gives them the ability to give back to those that have influenced their lives in a positive way.