Joshua Station is a long term transitional housing community for homeless families. Families go on a waiting list to be accepted into this community and can then stay for up two years to help them get back to a sustainable living.
Recently, Director of Development for JS, Karen Marchant, answered a little Q&A...
Q: How long have you been with Joshua Station and where did you come from before that?
Karen: I've been on staff at Mile High Ministries for 8 months. I worked at MOPS International, Inc headquarters here in Denver for 5 years prior to coming to MHM.
Q: What do you like most about JS as an organization?
Karen: What I most like about Joshua Station/MHM is the desire to bring about lasting transformation – and not just for those working to move beyond homelessness – but for all of us! I value that we are all transformed as we do life together.
Q: How is JS different than some of the other transitional housing programs available in CO?
Karen: One thing that makes JS unique is the length of the program. It's 18-24 months long. For most folks, including those not struggling with poverty, it takes a long time to grow and change! And having a loving community in which to grow and change is so important.
Q: What do you foresee as the biggest challenges for the future?
Karen: I think funding will continue to be a challenge. It always is a challenge to raise money. The JS budget is bare bones and nothing goes wasted. During a tough economy, raising money is even more challenging. Fortunately, we serve a big God who is generous and has a heart for the poor. And we have lots of generous supporters. My desire is that we can find lots and lots of folks who will pledge to give $20 per month – or even more – and really help sustain the program.
Q: What is JS most in need of at this time?
Karen: As always we need funding! And Penny has a great vision for the future that includes a second JS program and next-step housing.
Q: Anything else you'd like the general public to know about Joshua Station?
Karen: I want folks to know that JS is a beautiful example of God giving people a “hope and a future” as in Jeremiah. I want people to know that we are very successful at transitioning families out of homelessness, and while we truly can't put a price tag on a changed life, we know that we are making the city of Denver economically stronger when we strengthen families. Finally, I want to encourage people to experience Joshua Station by visiting and getting to know our residents – they won't be the same.
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