2. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Realizing the need
Offenders coming out of prison have:
- The clothes on their back
- A $100 check
- If no one picks them up, a bus ticket to Houston or Dallas
- Orders to report to their parole officer within 24 hours
Must have $18 for their parole fee
They do not have:
- Identification - Birth Certificate
- S.S. Card - Job
- A support structure - Much hope
3. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Realizing the need
The statistics as a result of this process are not good.
Within three years of release:
- 63% of parolees return to prison
- Of that number 50% for a crime greater than their original conviction
4. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Visioning a Solution
In 2002 Fr. Ron Cloutier, Director of Correctional Ministries, began his vision.
- Provide a safe Christian environment for acclamation
- Provide for both spiritual and physical needs
- Be independent of government and diocesan control
Thus Christian New Creation, Inc. came into being.
- Board of Directors formed
- Fund raising began
5. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Vision Becomes Reality
In July 2007 the Isaiah House Project was opened in a leased facility at 1912 North Main Street.
6. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Vision Becomes Reality
In November 2008 an abandoned horse farm was purchased and the
Isaiah House Project was moved to the current facility at 11606 Ashworth St.
7. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Vision Becomes Reality
In 2010 what was a double 4-plex at 8515/8517 Shady Dr. was gifted to us.
This is now the Providence House Project
8. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
What we provide
Offenders coming out of prison are:
- Picked up at the discharging facility
- Provided their first “free world” meal
- Outfitted with 7 changes of clothes
- Provided with a new pillow, linens and toiletries
- Provided a safe, soft bed
- Given hope, many for the first time
9. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
What we provide
Usually within 21 days:
- Birth Certificate
- IDs
- Harris County medical Gold Card
- Food Stamps
- A job with one of our partner employers
10. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
What we provide
On-going:
- Full use of the facilities: bed, kitchen, laundry, etc.
- Transportation to/from work, parole, church of their choice
- Spiritual guidance from deacons, seminarians & mentors
- Life guidance from mentors & sponsors
- AA/NA meetings available 6 times a week
- Assistance associated with meeting parole requirements
- Family reunification
11. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Our Results
After three years, those who have completed 90 days or longer:
- 95.3% are still free (4.7% recidivism vs. 63%)
- Many have been promoted or moved on to better jobs
- Families reunited
- Active in their churches
12. Isaiah House Project / Providence House Project
Total Period Residents
Length of
Stay Denomination Race
≥ 90 Days < 90 Days Total Catholic Protestant White Black Hispanic
Prior Years 230 241 471 185 286 271 103 97
2016 24 14 38 16 22 21 9 8
2017 32 47 79 27 52 34 33 11
Status on 12/31/2017
Length of
Stay Denomination Race
≥ 90 Days < 90 Days Total Catholic Protestant White Black Hispanic
Current Residents 13 14 27 7 20 12 10 5
Total Approved Pending Release 66 27 39 38 14 14
Calendar Year 2017 Activity
Total Requests 345
Accepted 81
Rejected 192
Pending 66
No-response 6
