As Hernando County grows, there has been a need for renovations to one of its more recognized shelters, the Jericho Road Ministries’ Joshua House. Founded in June of 2012, the Joshua House has been a home for men of unfortunate circumstances, giving them a safe place to stay. Their time at the shelter can last anywhere from a single night to beyond a year as they reconnect with the world through an extensive program.
The New Life Program takes men from the Jericho Road’s original shelter on Mondon Hill Road in Brooksville and helps them get back on their feet, giving them access to bible studies and schooling such as classes for GEDs and college, job training, and services that help with financial planning and obtaining identification. Services to get special medication for problems like heart disease and diabetes are also available, and with the ability to serve and house 30 men at a time, the Joshua House had to change.
“Because we were going to house men here, the county required that there was going to need to be a lot of other things added to the building.” Said Rev. Bruce Gimbel, founder of the Joshua House and Jericho Road Ministries.
As the original building was only a church congregation prior to being acquired by Jericho Road, there was a need for more residential features to be added. A sprinkler system, additional plumbing with new septic, new walls and ceilings, and everyday components of a household like washing machines and kitchen utilities were all installed as part of a “change of use” policy the county assumed, as the limited-use church was now a high traffic area. Funding came during July of 2014, and the renovations have been completed as of June 2015.
Almost the entirety of the shelter’s materials have been donated. Desks, lockers, computers, kitchen equipment, and beds have all come from throughout the county, with many items being brought through the ministry’s various thrift stores.
When not busy attending everyday tasks, the residents make useful things like cabinets for their rooms. They work with professionals who have volunteered their time to teach them skills. Some of the men even stay after they have finished the program to help out as staff. Although there is over two dozen churches and thousands of volunteers that help out with the ministry’s five shelters, more help is always needed.
“We provide over 1000 bed nights a month. That’s men, women, and children,” Gimbel noted, “a lot of people to feed.”
It’s hard to imagine having nothing. Men come to Joshua House with no job or friends, and with family turning away from them, nowhere to go. “The greatest joy I have is seeing people regain hope for their life as they move forward.” Gimbel said, “Where am I going to sleep tonight, is the daily question. Where am I going to get something to eat, is a daily question.”
With a need for a 75 percent occupation of the grounds, Gimbel believes their goal of doubling the residents at Joshua House will be met during the new year. He is also hopeful for a new thrift store location and the installation of a new computer program NOVA, which has shown tremendous results in helping men gain back their lives. “It was developed by a team of educators, but also a team of doctors. And the way the curriculum and the software operates, it is not only imparting and helping the individual learn and increase their math and English skills, but it’s designed in its presentation to stimulate parts of their brain that have been damaged by their addictions. It’s a very unique program.”
Jericho Road Ministries and the Joshua House are always interested in volunteers and donations, and you can submit an application to their offices at 1163 Howell Ave. in Brooksville, donate money, or drop off material goods to any of their thrift stores located throughout Hernando County.
“Hernando County, the people beyond Hernando County that support us, are the ones that make this possible for them.”