Construction progresses on Jack’s House of Hope in New Philadelphia
Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County's construction of Jack’s House of Hope is continuing on schedule. The project, which began in January, is expected to be completed by late fall.
Jack’s House of Hope will be a 20,000-square-foot facility that provides shelter for the unhoused and offers a variety of services for shelter guests and others in need.
“The House of Hope will enable us to shelter guests in a more private, respectful and dignified atmosphere,” Executive Director Calvin White said. “And just as importantly, the additional space will empower us to better provide services to the guests and others in need.”
Ron Coblentz Renovations and Construction LLC is serving as the general contractor. The new building is attached to the current shelter at 211 E. High Ave. in New Philadelphia and is now under roof. The facility will include about 27 individual rooms for men and women, several larger rooms for families, a chapel, an interior courtyard, a play area, dining and food storage spaces, offices, and community areas for activities.
Named in honor of Jack Ream, founder of the Friends of the Homeless, the House of Hope is part of a larger vision for community-based support. After the new facility opens, the current shelter will be renovated. The organization also recently purchased a house next door at 203 E. High Ave., with planning underway to determine how best to use both properties.
“Our goal is to bring together a number of agencies and services in one location to meet the needs of the unhoused and others in need,” White said.
In the meantime outreach efforts continue through the Mobile Red Door project, which aims to connect those not staying in the shelter with available services.
The estimated cost of the House of Hope is $5.5 million. To date, the campaign has raised approximately $4.2 million in cash, pledges and in-kind gifts. Donations can be made over a three-year period. Naming rights are available for various features and rooms in the new facility.
Representatives from Friends of the Homeless are available to speak to churches, civic organizations and other groups about the campaign and the shelter’s work. To learn more, email Matt Ritzert, House of Hope Campaign co-chairperson, at ritzertmatt@gmail.com. Contributions also can be made online at www.fothtusc.org, where donor forms are available for printing and mailing.
“Contributions of all sizes are welcome. No gift is too small,” White said.
Since opening in 2005, Friends of the Homeless has sheltered thousands of men, women and children. The shelter typically serves about 200 individuals each year, providing an estimated 9,500 bed nights. The organization also distributes more than 425 food boxes annually, along with hygiene kits, blankets, gloves, hats and other essentials to help meet community needs.
Call White at 330-602-6100 or Ritzert at 330-827-5710.