As the remaining refugee guests in Welcome Houses transition to permanent housing, churches involved in the temporary housing ministry are beginning to talk about what’s next. Our hope is that Welcome Houses will remain assets for ministry as churches seek to discern the kinds of needs they might address in local contexts across the state.
The Welcome Network does not have a specific “one size fits all” resource for churches to figure out the next steps, but the points below represent a starting place for churches to get the conversation going in ministry team and church-wide settings.
- Are we (church) still committed to using this house for ministry and mission? Start with the basic question that led to the embrace of the Welcome House model and the embrace of neighbors through refugee resettlement. Has the ministry been meaningful? Are there still passionate people that want to see the house used for ministry rather than sit unoccupied or become a glorified storage shed for stuff?
- Are there obvious needs in your local context that the Welcome House might be a good fit for? Consider one example from outside of NC: the Welcome House of Knoxville, TN. They are close to the University of Tennessee and transitioned into temporary housing for international students. Same model – temporary housing. Different population – international students. Other CBFNC churches have begun exploring new opportunities, including transitional housing for those leaving prison, individuals leaving foster care at age 18, long term rental for refugees, and a place to stay when loved ones are hospitalized. Does an obvious need like that come to mind in your setting where the same Welcome House model can be employed for people in need of short-term housing?
- What organizations, non-profits, or agencies can you talk to about the asset that is the Welcome House? Can you start conversations with local social workers, groups working with vulnerable persons in your area, and local leaders to generate new ideas? Some in your community may be surprised that the church has a house and that the church wants it to be used for the community! Reach out, share the story, and let folks know that you long to see the Welcome House continue to address challenges in your setting.
- What alternative uses for the house might make sense in your context? Are there organizations doing great work in your setting that need office space? Could you provide space for a lesser price so that more resources can be devoted to the actual work a group or person is doing? Are there counselors needing office and meeting space? Are there affinity groups that bring people together that need space? Any co-ops in your area?
- Prayer. I include this at the end not because it is least important but because it is foundational for all of the above. Seek God’s direction and trust that God will lead.
The Welcome Network team and I stand ready to do all we can to assist you as needed. May we all see new directions made clear.
And, if you do embark on a new opportunity, please let us know by emailing us at welcome@cbfnc.org. We want to share it to encourage others.
-Randy Carter
CBFNC Welcome Network Director
Pastor, Temple Baptist Church, Durham (a church with a Welcome House that is working on all these questions right now!)
