Changing Lives
Changing lives, every day, is what House of Mercy is about.
Individuals with criminal justice involvement are one of the most disadvantaged populations in the nation. We believe that sharing the love of Jesus in action and the truth of the gospel, along with bible-based leadership training, brings lasting change, prevents recidivism and helps return men to their roles as Fathers, Husbands, brothers, and friends.
We have a track record of more than 18 years to prove it.
Community is the answer.
Get Involved.
Your support can determine the change of life trajectory of an individual.
There are 48,000+ felons in WA state alone.
These are people that most of society has written off, won’t hire and won’t rent housing to due to the stigma of incarceration. They often are dealing with broken family ties and large financial bills tied to fines and the justice system. They also deal with the mental effects of being institutionalized, many from a young age, for most of their adult lives. The average person in the criminal justice system has a 7th grade education level.
Homelessness
Any person who has been incarcerated, even once, is 7-10 times more likely to experience homelessness than the average adult.
Today’s housing market is difficult to navigate for the typical individual but much more so for the justice involved.
Recidivism
1 in 5 people currently entering incarceration have not committed a crime but are there for parole violation.
Parole violations are often based on inability to find work, transportation, pay fines or get health care.
Many leave institutions with no family or community connections or support.
Unemployment
77% of released prisoners are re-arrested within 5 years. For many of them that cycle is connected to lack of employment.
A criminal record can reduce job offers by 50%. Lack of transportation and family support can make getting and holding a job nearly impossible.
Make a Difference Today.
Volunteer
There are many ways to be involved at HOM. Mentoring, bible studies, resume writing, donate clothing or household items and helping with fundraisers are just a few.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” -Matthew 25:35
There are many ways to be involved at HOM. Mentoring, bible studies, resume writing, donate clothing or household items and helping with fundraisers are just a few.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” -Matthew 25:35
Support
Financial support is always a pressing need. For most of HOM’s existence we have been self – sustaining but in this housing market, outside funding is necessary. Everything from a one time or monthly financial gift, to cars, household items and appliances and even houses themselves are needed.
You can offer support also by hiring HOM to do home repairs and remodels which puts participants to work and builds their sense of value.
Pray
Many of these individuals have physical and mental health issues along with spiritual and family struggles.
We need churches and individuals willing to intercede with and for our participants and for our state laws and justice systems.
When Jesus was berated for eating with tax collectors and sinners, he answered that “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
Attend
Join our weekly church meetings, speaking engaments, leadership conferences or fundraising events. Community support is an important part of integration and reentry.
Do you like to cook? We are always looking for people to help with food for men’s leadership breakfasts, socials and conferences.
Hours of Operation
MON – FRI
9:00am – 5:00pm
SAT-SUN
We are closed
Drop Us a Line
Don’t be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!