Transitional Housing Tips: Notes from a True Charity Chat

AVERY WEST
Member Engagement Director
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In September, True Charity Network members from around the country gathered for a “True Charity Chat,” a casual time of brainstorming and sharing experiences. This quarter’s topic was “All Things Transitional Housing.” 

From running maternity homes to renovating entire apartment complexes, our network members have decades of experience helping families who are in transition seasons. Members Beau Hamlin of God’s Resort in Joplin, Missouri, and Jess Ahrens of Lincoln Village Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama, started the conversation. 

Here are some of the tips they shared:

1.  Trust takes time:

“Usually, it takes a year to build trust,” said Jess. Often, that first year of residence involves managing crisis after crisis—families are still dealing with abusive ex-husbands, payday loans, and other barriers. Jess shared that, in most cases, these individuals have picked up decades of history, hurt, and habits. “You have to earn the right to speak into someone’s life. Every woman I work with needs to know that I love her and care for her before I can go in and help with her budget.” 

2.  Property inspections are key:

Both leaders shared that they learned the importance of periodic inspections the hard way. Many transitional housing residents are used to living with mold, bugs, and leaky sinks because previous landlords wouldn’t take the time to fix problems. Jess points out that when they find these issues during their quarterly inspections, it’s an opportunity for ministry. It’s a chance to say, “You have value. You and your children don’t have to live in these conditions.” At God’s Resort, Beau’s team implemented a “Queen or King of Clean” award, honoring a resident monthly after property inspections. 

3.  Extend grace with clear communication:

Healing never follows a linear path. When (not if) residents break program rules, the God’s Resort staff will work with them to create a 90-day improvement plan. This way, when a resident relapses or doesn’t pay rent, a clear path leads to continuing the program or finding a different home. Meeting with a case manager more often or paying rent every week might help a particular resident stay on track. Similarly, Lincoln Village has a financial assistance application that allows a resident to receive three months of rent assistance at a 0% loan. Jess shares that these types of conversations take place within a loving relationship. She tries to convey, “This is an opportunity the Lord has given you. We want you here.”

4.  Be consistent, even when it’s hard:

Asking a resident to leave is one of the most heartbreaking things a leader has to do, Jess and Beau agreed. However, they have learned that outlining specific expectations and following through is a key component for everyone’s growth. When a resident must leave the ministry for not paying rent on time, inviting overnight guests, or otherwise breaking the lease, word spreads, encouraging others to stay the course. “As hard as it is,” Beau shared, “I know there is someone else on the streets right now who is ready to be here.” Both Lincoln Village and God’s Resort always try to get the individual or family into a shelter, rehab program, or ministry that will be able to meet their current needs; they encourage the residents to reapply when they are ready. 

5.  Invite God to act:

Beau shared that over time, in his role, he learned to ask God to intervene in the lives of God’s Resort residents, especially those struggling with the program requirements. “We pray about every single person we need to evict. We pray for miracles. And it does happen.” 

6.  Keep the timeline flexible:

One member on the call shared that they learned their three-to-six month transitional housing program wasn’t long enough for some of their residents. They shifted toward a more personalized approach, working with each resident to establish a timeline. God’s Resort and Lincoln Village offer similar flexibility, with most residents staying two to five years. Their relational, highly communicative programs make transitioning out a collaborative process. 

If you missed this conversation, don’t worry! Jess and Beau spent significant time helping the True Charity team create the Transitional Housing Model Action Plan. They generously shared best practices, lessons learned, and operational documents so that other network members don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Members can explore all Transitional Housing tools and guidance on the members portal. 

Join our True Charity Network community to access more Transitional Housing materials and participate in future True Charity chats.