Many people leaving correctional facilities have burned their relational bridges. While people leaving corrections may need housing, treatment, employment and a variety of other needs, there are often few opportunities for them to secure these resources.
My Father’s House is one organization in Minnesota that is providing reentry assistance, and hope.
My Father’s House Organization is named after the passage in John 14:2-3 which says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
This is not a phrase commonly told to people leaving correctional facilities. There could easily not be someone willing to prepare any type of place ahead of time. But this phrase may be the inspiration for Matthew House’s emphasis on support, community, and change.
The Matthew House is an eight-bed re-entry house for men leaving prison located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
One of its main goals is to provide a supportive family atmosphere, where residents can create a new future for themselves. Matthew House provides counseling to the men and assists them with gaining employment, and staying drug and alcohol free.
The organization believes that Matthew House cannot change anyone, but that it’s up to the individual to work for a changed life.
Testimony from past residents shows that major life changes are possible. One man spoke how he has become a leader through support at Matthew House. He brings in work projects for the other residents to do if they’re still looking for employment, a requirement of the program. Of the money they earn for these projects, 10 percent of the total is taken to provide for the needs of new residents.
There are still needs. Eight beds fill up pretty quickly, and there’s currently no house for women. Matthew House is also in need of someone to provide case management and goal setting. But with the reputation they’ve built in Fergus Falls, and the support from local churches in adopting rooms and residents, they are providing a valuable resource in the community.