My Father's House, A Community Shelter, Inc.

09/10/2026

"PUSH ME AGAIN!" a Story from Andrea

I was out on the playground with one of our kiddos who asked me to push him on the swing. After a few pushes, he said, “When I'm close to stopping, I need you to start pushing me again.” I asked him why.

He looked down at the ground and quietly said, “I don’t know how to swing.” I smiled and told him, “Well, today is the day you’re going to learn.”

I told him to start pumping his legs. Slowly but surely, he realized he could swing all on his own. The sheer joy on his face filled my heart. I couldn’t have been more proud of him!

He was afraid to try because he had tried before and failed. All he needed was a little encouragement from someone who believed in him. I wonder if the Lord looks at us the same way, encouraging us to step out when we feel we can’t. And when we finally take that step of faith and discover we can do the hard or scary thing, I imagine the pride and joy on His face is even greater than what I saw on that playground swing.

09/09/2026

Hey Friends,

Pass the word along for us! Folks are super generous with My Father's House--and we appreciate it so much! When you give donations of money, new underwear and socks, gently used clothing for kids and parents, and items on our website and social media, it helps a lot.

If you are thinking of donating something other than those items, call first to see if we need it. And please don't drop off anything if we aren't here to accept it. Items get damaged or spoiled or stolen (by humans and guys like this!)

We love the generosity of our community. Thank you so much for understanding and for your loving gifts. --the MFH Team

09/09/2026

❤️ Galatians 5:22-23

09/07/2026

Recently, a MFH staff member said, "One of our goals is to change the trajectory of families' lives."

The definition of "trajectory" is "the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given force."

The families who come to MFH have been on a downward trajectory and the force taking them in that direction may be addiction, unhealthy relationships, domestic abuse, evictions, medical emergencies, job loss ... the list goes on and on.

But because humans have the ability (unlike rockets and paper airplanes) to think about our situations, we can change them. Making a decision to come to My Father's House is often the best way to change that downward trajectory and head in a new direction--up!

If a parent changes his or her trajectory from negative to positive, it affects their whole family. And as the new positive experiences (saving money, paying off debt, overcoming addiction, building healthy relationships, finding a new job or home) grow, the entire family benefits!

That's what we do at My Father's House and it's exciting to be one of the "forces" that take families in the right direction. And OUR trajectory is directed by two powerful forces--the love of Jesus and the love of his people.

Isn't it great that Jesus offers all of us a new trajectory if only we'll say YES?!

09/05/2026

As part of our ongoing effort to share special moments, programs and stories of other organizations serving our most vulnerable populations, today we recognize City Union Mission in Kansas City, Mo. This mission will celebrate its 102nd birthday, September 15!

Founded by Rev. David Bulkey and Mary Beulah Bulkey in 1924, the mission provides emergency shelter, recovery programs, community outreaches, a summer children's camp in the Ozarks and more. Congratulations on 102 years of service!

Visit the mission's website at cityunionmission.org and read about its history at https://flatlandkc.org/news-issues/david-and-beulah-bulkley-and-the-creation-of-city-union-mission/.

09/03/2026

Chelsea volunteers each week to ensure our Shared Blessing pantry is sorted, stocked and updated. With her help, we are able to supplement our residents' food stamps and family income so they have all they need.

Here's a list of our must urgent needs at this time. The items marked with "!!" are our most needed.

If you can help, bring donations any business day, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thank you so much!

64-ounce jars of juice
spaghetti sauce
ground coffee
condiments
women's shavers
socks and un**es for toddlers!!
hair ties and clip, combs
hairbrushes!!

09/02/2026

Behind every story of transformation is a dedicated team serving with compassion, faith, and purpose.

Today, we introduce Jean, our women's case manager who assists moms with obtaining finding resources, overcoming debt and locating jobs and housing. Jean's verse to live by is:

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Jean, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and diligence as you help residents overcome barriers to success!

09/01/2026

Friends,

Several of you were so kind to comment about the two people scoping out the MFH property last week. We appreciate your prayers, concern and your filtered photos that helped provide cleaner images. You care about the safety of our staff, volunteers and residents, and that means so much to us!

At this point, there is an investigation underway--our wonderful Gresham Police Department is on it! Please continue to pray for the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Since many have faced trauma in their lives, we want them to feel at home, safe and secure, at My Father's House.

Thanks, and God bless you. --Andrea and staff

08/31/2026

MFH staff member Griselda snapped this photo of Andrea Pickett holding our youngest resident (two weeks old!) a few days ago. Andrea says, "When she snapped that picture, I was telling him how much Jesus loves him!"

"Andrea is a wonderful director and ambassador for Jesus," says Griselda.
"She offered help, encouragement and lots of hugs for this little one's Mama, especially appreciated after a difficult delivery."

Also in the photo is Dianne Bentz, a beloved volunteer and board member. Getting to be there during these special moments is just one of the perks of being a member of the MFH team!

08/29/2026

August is Make A Will Month! And though August is almost over, you can make a will any time of year -- and you should!

Pew Research Foundations estimates that less than 35 percent of adult Americans have a will. No matter what your age, a will is critical if you want to spare your family the pain and struggle of dealing with your assets IN COURT following your death.

Here are some sites you can visit to explore making a very simple will at no cost or low cost:

Freewill.com
Legalcontracts.com
Trustandwill.com
LegalTemplates.net
https://www.doyourownwill.com/
naepc.org — Directory to find a local estate planning attorney

If you have a will that includes My Father's House, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. Thanks!

FreeWill lets you make your last will and testament quick, easy, and completely free. It is a simple online legal will maker that helps you compile will forms to print and sign, or to take as a basic will template to an estate planning lawyer. FreeWill is built alongside will making experts.