The Journey Home

About The Journey Home

The Journey Home is a Christ-centered transitional housing ministry located in Mineral, Virginia that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to crisis situations. Founded in September 2013 by Debby Read, who received a vision and calling to build a home for those in need of temporary shelter in Louisa County, the organization has grown to become a vital resource for the community.

Mission

The Journey Home provides Christ-centered transitional housing to individuals or families in need of a temporary place to live where they receive support in rebuilding their lives and find hope for the next step in their journey to being independent members of the community.

Vision

Residents of The Journey Home will live in the home for up to 18 months in a nurturing environment that will aid them in rebuilding their lives. Spiritual, financial, vocational and practical education will be available to prepare them for their next step towards permanent housing. This will be a place of dignity where residents contribute to the good of the community while working on the issues of brokenness in their lives.

History and Background

In September 2013, Debby Read received a vision to create a place of hope for friends and neighbors in Louisa County who needed help getting "back on their feet." After meeting with social workers in Louisa County, she confirmed the critical need for temporary housing. The nonexistence of transitional housing in Louisa County was considered by many Louisa County Human Services Staff to be the #1 issue in attempting to assist their clients.

Distinct difficulties with homelessness in Louisa County include:
- Homelessness is not overtly visible (as in urban areas)
- There is no mechanism to identify its extent
- The nearest emergency/transitional housing facilities are 40+ miles away

After finding others who shared her vision, Debby recruited a diverse governing Board that includes:
- A social worker
- A physician
- A nurse
- A bank operations manager
- An attorney/pastor
- A person with experience in an organization that repairs substandard housing

During the past several years, board members have made many presentations to organizations and churches, attended numerous meetings of community agencies to network and develop relationships. Board members have also visited both in-state and out-of-state transition homes to further develop the vision, mission and goals for The Journey Home.

Who They Serve

The Journey Home serves individuals and families who find themselves in need of a temporary place to live due to a crisis situation. Likely guests could include:
- A single mother coming out of a drug rehabilitation program who needs a secure, stable place to live in order to be reunited with her children
- An individual or family who has lost a job and are in need of a temporary home
- Those experiencing homelessness due to various crisis situations

Programs and Services

Journey Home guests are given help and hope through Biblical discipleship and instruction in addressing relational, spiritual, and economic issues that have led to their homelessness. The organization provides:

Transitional Housing
- Residents can live in the home for up to 18 months
- A nurturing environment that aids in rebuilding lives
- A place of dignity where residents contribute to the good of the community

Educational Programs
- Spiritual education and Biblical discipleship
- Financial education and money management skills
- Vocational training and job preparation
- Practical life skills education

Support Services
- Help addressing relational issues
- Support for spiritual growth
- Assistance with economic challenges
- Preparation for permanent housing

The Next Step Program

The organization offers a Next Step Program designed to help residents transition to permanent, independent living.

Leadership and Governance

Board Members:
- Debby Read (Founder)
- Ed Read
- Jennifer Schulz
- Ben Reid
- Darvin Satterwhite
- Bruce Stone
- Cindy Malyevac

Community Support and Volunteer Involvement

Many local individuals, churches, and agencies are supportive of The Journey Home and are committed to partnering with the organization. They currently have a list of over 75 volunteers. The vast majority of The Journey Home activities are implemented by volunteers as this best fulfills their mission as a community-involvement organization.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Journey Home offers numerous volunteer opportunities for community members who want to make a difference:

Spiritual Support
- Praying for the Journey Home and the Residents
- Leading Bible Studies
- Mentoring and Discipling Individuals

Educational Support
- After School Tutoring
- Teaching Reading Skills
- Instructing in Money Management Skills
- Marriage and Parenting Classes
- Teaching Cooking Skills and Meal Preparation

Practical Support
- Providing Transportation
- Assisting with Jobs and Job Applications
- Maintenance of the Building
- Decorating Rooms
- Locating and Renovating Affordable Permanent Housing
- Gardening
- Grounds maintenance
- Clerical work
- Fundraising

Application Process

The organization has a Housing Application Request form available for those seeking transitional housing assistance.

Career Opportunities

The Journey Home also offers career opportunities for those interested in joining their mission professionally.

Community Impact

The Journey Home fills a critical gap in Louisa County's social services infrastructure by providing the only transitional housing option in the area. This ministry addresses the unique challenges of rural homelessness and provides a comprehensive, faith-based approach to helping individuals and families rebuild their lives and achieve independence.