FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who owns and operates the House of Hope?
Families Feeding Hope Foundation is solely responsible for the House of Hope. The Feeding Hope board of directors has appointed a volunteer subcommittee, Housing Hope, co-chaired by two board members, to oversee the House of Hope. Feeding Hope’s executive director, Keri Gowin-Juarez, is responsible for all facility operations.
How is the House of Hope funded?
100% of all funding comes from private foundations, churches, individual donors and from the monthly rent paid by residents. No government funding is used to build, operate or maintain the facility.Â
How can I support the House of Hope?
Donations can be made by check payable to Feeding Hope Durant and mailed to PO Box 5322, Durant, OK 74702. Please put House of Hope in the memo line. Â
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If you prefer to donate on line, here is a link to the Feeding Hope Durant donation portal: https://feedinghopedurant.org/donate/Â Â
Who is eligible to live in the House of Hope?
The House of Hope is open to anyone meeting the requirements below:
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Be chronically homeless
Chronic Homelessness is defined as living in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or an emergency shelter for at least 12 months (or at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years, as long as the combined occasions equal at least 12 months). -
Have a verifiable source of income
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Be over the age of 18
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Have been living in the Durant area for at least the past year (includes Bryan County)Â
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Meet House of Hope criminal history requirements
Will residents be required to pay rent?
Yes, every resident will be required to pay rent every month. The amount of rent may vary depending on the resident’s income.
What are the rules for living at the House of Hope?
Every resident must abide by the rules contained in the Good Neighbor Agreement.
What services are available to those living in the House of Hope?
All residents will be provided a comprehensive suite of wrap-around services including mental and physical healthcare, addiction counseling, employment assistance, life and work skills development classes, and other basic social services. Services provided will be tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident and move them toward empowered self-sufficiency.Â
How long can residents stay at the House of Hope?
Residents can stay as long as they wish provided they pay rent on time and abide by the Good Neighbor Agreement every resident signs before being accepted.Â
Are there any hidden costs for residents?
No, the monthly rent paid by the resident includes all utilities, water, sewer, garbage and access to and use of all shared common areas including the kitchen, bathrooms, living rooms, work rooms, patio and garden. Residents are responsible for their own food, personal hygiene products, medicines and other personal expenses.Â
Where is the House of Hope located?
The House of Hope is located at 407 E. Florida St, Durant, OK 74701. It is located across the street from the existing Feeding Hope Community Center at 424 E Florida St.Â
What’s the best way for me to learn more about the House of Hope?
Contact Keri Gowin-Juarez who will discuss your interests and/or connect you with the best person available to help you. Keri’s contact info is:
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Telephone: (580) 230-8134Â
Will the House of Hope have a fulltime on-site manager?
No, with only 12 residents there is no need for an on-site manager 24/7. Each resident will have 24/7 access to an emergency contact person equipped to manage whatever issues may arise if Feeding Hope’s executive director is not on-site or available across the street at FH’s community center.
Who will manage the House of Hope?
Feeding Hope’s executive director, Keri Gowin-Juarez, is responsible for managing the House of Hope. Keri will be supported by part time staff, subcontracted facility maintenance personnel, the 10 member Feeding Hope board of directors and the 15 member Housing Hope committee.Â