Situated on a quiet corner lot in a Sherman, Texas neighborhood is a turn-of-the-century home recently renovated to its former grandeur. And just as the house has undergone a renewal, those living inside the house are engaged their own transformations.
House of Eli, Inc. is a transitional living home for boys ages 17-21. The driving force behind the home is Tawni Hodge, the home’s executive director and visionary who has discovered an outlet for her concern for young men in difficult situations. Hodge has a passion and expertise in working with young men from her years as a foster parent and her experiences as a chaplain working with juvenile services. Her vision of a home where young men could grow spiritually and emotionally, learn life skills and make lifelong family connections was enough to convince local community and business leaders to provide the necessary resources to make House of Eli a reality. Guidance is provided by Hodge, two additional house parents, and two live-in male employees who have other jobs or school during the day but live in the house full time.
Candidates for admission to House of Eli are typically at high risk for future incarceration and aging out of the juvenile justice or foster care systems. The youth must be recommended by a case manager, probation officer, chaplain, or teacher in order to be eligible for placement. Once accepted, they follow a structured daily plan focusing on education, specific job skills training, scripturally based recovery work, and constant exposure to Christian principles. The goal is to provide 12 months of intensive training and guidance in all aspects of healthy living.
House of Eli also maintains two businesses to provide job skills training for the young men and income to help support the home. Eli Brothers is a real estate development company, buying, remodeling, and selling homes. It also provides moving services, landscaping, home staging, and working with realtors. Made New is a resale antique store that fixes and restores items donated by the community. House of Eli doesn’t receive state or federal funds so all financial support comes from grants and private donations.
"House of Eli is a safe place where broken boys come to find a new life," Hodge said. "Living in a family setting, working in ‘family owned’ businesses and developing the disciplines to become strong men are the hallmarks of this year-long intensive life change academy. Saturated with the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, heart change leads to real life change. What could be a better investment than to give someone the tools to be free?"
PHOTO: This beautifully restored home has become a place of hope and restoration for The House of Eli.