When leaving a treatment or recovery program, or when released from incarceration, many people require an additional stabilizing step in their recovery process before fully transitioning back into the community. This is normally a period of 8 – 12 months long. Unfortunately, even those who have successfully completed a recovery program, or who have completed their time of incarceration, are often forced back into old lifestyle patterns because of a lack of safe, affordable, transitional housing. This ministry has grown out of the desperate need for safe transitional housing in our community documented in numerous poverty, healthcare and social service studies over the last few years.
During the summer of 2006 and 2007, both of our properties were renovated as the congregation supported a decision to move from student housing to a more ministry-focused need in our community. Many people from Bethel Church, the greater community and the staff at Salvation Army Harbour Light assisted in this major undertaking and continue to support this ministry today through prayer, practical donations such as bedding, clothing for our men, televisions, furniture, food and financial gifts from time to time. These gifts are sometimes used for tutoring, special purchases relevant to our residents’ needs and operational matters related to the ongoing successful running and maintenance of the houses.
In fall 2021, a partnership was developed with Prison Fellowship Canada. PFC works with current and former inmates, and their families, in their journey of spiritual and practical transformation. The partnership with Bethel House provides newly-released inmates the opportunity for stable, supportive, and substance-free housing as they begin their journey back into the community.
It has been a blessing for our church to assist and support many of our residents as they move forward with their lives; re-build relationships with family members; return to work or school and mature in their faith. With up to eleven men living in our houses at any given time, this ministry has seen over seventy-five men pass through our doors, the majority of whom have successfully transitioned back to independent living in the Kingston community or elsewhere.
This ministry would not be possible without the ongoing prayer and financial support of our community and church. There are many people, organizations, and volunteers who contribute to the success of this ministry, and we are grateful for the support of so many.
If you would be interested in volunteering or contributing to this ministry in any way, please contact the Bethel House Committee at bethelhouse@bethelkingston.com, or the House Manager Steve Cousineau at 613-876-3762.