Joshua's House

Our purpose is to help those who cannot help themselves with the intent of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities in The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Joshua’s House will be an ecumenical non-denominational home. It will serve people as a place of refuge, respite and growth:  As a refuge it will be a safe house, a homeless shelter, or a way station for up to 30 days while appropriate services through local agencies are coordinated. As a respite the house will be a place of retreat and prayers.  And as a center for growth people will benefit from Joshua’s House through educational workshops, bible studies, and events such as community dinners.

A twelve member board will provide oversight to a facility that will house a minimum of 20 residents that would be a mix of individuals and families.  There will be two dorm rooms holding six beds each that can provide either male or female occupancy.  There will be two, 2 bedroom sections that will house families.  The facility will be handicap accessible. It will be operated by a full-time house manager(s) who will live on the premises. There will be additional male and female staff on call at all times who will come when residents are there and to meet the dietary and household needs of the residents. There will be full-time law enforcement contracted as needed.  The emergency shelter will be on the theory of a one week stay with additional services provided by the appropriate human service agencies in the area. Occupants must sign into the transitional program by the end of a week, at which time they would then be considered in the transitional housing program. In the transitional program, residents would provide a wide range of community services.   All residents would be required to attend meetings, counseling sessions, workforce development education and other related services.