Open house raises $5K

PHILLIPS — His House of Hope, Christian-based shelter with programming for men struggling with addiction and other life issues, raised approximately $5,000 at an open house on April 6, according to Robert Knaack, executive director. There is still a need for volunteers to get the program running.

Around 150 to 200 people attended the event, from Ogema to Park Falls, he said. Just as important as the funding are the ripple effects of those who were moved by what was happening and will become volunteers and outreach and collecting donations of clothing, food and hygiene items.

There were people from area churches and the general community who expressed the need for programs like this in Price County, he said. People were intrigued by how the program was shaped and impressed with the renovation of the former Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church at W6920 Paradise Lane.

“There was a lot of hope during that day,” Knaack said. “People spoke about their relatives needing this, you know, and they didn’t know where to bring them or how to help encourage them to this program. We had a gentleman that came and he applied for the program as well.”

The facility is ready and with a couple of more volunteers that can be present at the house during designated house and then they will open the doors for residents. There are currently six referrals from the Greater Hayward House of Hope that are expected to be the first to undergo the 12-to-18 month self-paced program with followup support.

The Greater Hayward House of Hope is one of three programs that were used as a model for His House of Hope and an official attended the open house.

“He gave a beautiful testimony on what Jesus and a program like this has done for his life,” Knaack said.

For more information visit HOHPhillips.org, call 715-339-4406 or email info@hohphillips.org.