In early “2008” a home on Cole Avenue in Akron was donated to SOH, which set the landmark for the beginning of an emergency homeless shelter for men, which since has been transformed into “transitional supportive” housing for men. This home is at capacity for 5 men that have completed and graduated from one of the local social service rehabilitation programs we work with. Our home places them in a position to rebuild their lives with families, loved ones, and to begin to reconnect with society.

We opened a second transitional supportive home in March of 2010, and a third permanent supportive home was donated to SOH in October of 2010. All three homes are on Cole Avenue in Akron. With contributions from our loyal donors and volunteers who donate their time and talent we opened our third “transitional supportive home” in the spring of 2011. We now have three homes that are totally functional and being called “home” by those men who have succeeded in their rehabilitation and are now ready to prepare for their future.

In July of 2011 we reached another milestone with the opening of our 4th location which serve as SOH Main Offices and Warehouse. It has a large fully functional kitchen / preparation area in the lower level, where we prepare the meals for our Friday Night Ministry. This home is located on Girard Street, in the same neighborhood, just 1 block away from our transitional supportive houses.

We are not looking back and are hoping to expand on this very important portion of our ministry in 2012. We cannot begin to describe what a wonderful feeling it is when we enter these homes and see one of our brothers relaxing on the couch, sleeping in a bed, or being able to take a warm shower, when not so long ago we visited them at a local camp site.

Also, we have learned that these life-changing events come to these people in God’s time and not ours. We cannot want more for them than they want for themselves. God has unveiled His plans so many times to all of us at SOH and we promise to continue to allow him to do His work through the hands of our many volunteers. We have been blessed by God knowing that the work that we are doing is indeed paying dividends to the people we are serving.

These beautiful people have been cast aside and forgotten by many. If you would be interested in joining our mission by donating your time, talent or treasure, please call 330-294-0056. Also, we are currently looking for a facility to accommodate both offices for our ministry as well as a central place to feed and clothe the less fortunate of Summit County, so if you have any suggestions, we would like to hear from you!

We must offer them HOPE! With your help, comes a ….. Springtime of Hope!!