If you have been to our Men's Center, taken a tour, or read some of our past newsletters, you have likely encountered this word: Rebuild. Maybe you immediately pictured a construction site or a hardware store, or maybe you weren't sure what this word had to do with our mission here at Oliver Gospel.
Rebuild is our six-month, transitional housing program for unhoused, working men. Like scaffolding on a building, this program supports the walls and foundation they are rebuilding after much of their life has been damaged by homelessness. Much like a building under construction needs scaffolding, there are many in our community who need external support to rebuild parts of their lives. They are often well-trained and hard-working, but they have lost a sense of hope and safety because they no longer have a place to call home.
The main cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing.
Someone must earn $17.30 per hour, working full time to afford a two-bedroom home at the fair market rate. The average renter earns $13.52 per hour, leaving a $3.78 "wage gap" that renters must fill with already low resources.
Homelessness can be sudden. It can also be short-lived. Neither reality makes it any less stressful, damaging, or painful. The Rebuild Program provides the "scaffolding" necessary to repair and restore a person's livelihood.
How do we help bridge this wage gap?
Rebuild is for men who are employed 30+ hours a week. By providing no cost lodging and food, Oliver Gospel takes away two of the biggest stressors in a person's life: food and shelter. More than physical needs, our Rebuild residents are paired with a Life Advisor to disciple and support them. They discover Jesus in a new light and their hope is restored despite difficult circumstances.
We have seen restoration take place in countless lives through this program. If you would like to learn more about all the programs we offer, schedule a tour!