My Father's House, A Community Shelter, Inc.

09/03/2026

Chelsea volunteers each week to ensure our Shared Blessing pantry is sorted, stocked and updated. With her help, we are able to supplement our residents' food stamps and family income so they have all they need.

Here's a list of our must urgent needs at this time. The items marked with "!!" are our most needed.

If you can help, bring donations any business day, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thank you so much!

64-ounce jars of juice
spaghetti sauce
ground coffee
condiments
women's shavers
socks and un**es for toddlers!!
hair ties and clip, combs
hairbrushes!!

09/02/2026

Behind every story of transformation is a dedicated team serving with compassion, faith, and purpose.

Today, we introduce Jean, our women's case manager who assists moms with obtaining finding resources, overcoming debt and locating jobs and housing. Jean's verse to live by is:

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer & petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Jean, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and diligence as you help residents overcome barriers to success!

09/01/2026

Friends,

Several of you were so kind to comment about the two people scoping out the MFH property last week. We appreciate your prayers, concern and your filtered photos that helped provide cleaner images. You care about the safety of our staff, volunteers and residents, and that means so much to us!

At this point, there is an investigation underway--our wonderful Gresham Police Department is on it! Please continue to pray for the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Since many have faced trauma in their lives, we want them to feel at home, safe and secure, at My Father's House.

Thanks, and God bless you. --Andrea and staff

08/31/2026

MFH staff member Griselda snapped this photo of Andrea Pickett holding our youngest resident (two weeks old!) a few days ago. Andrea says, "When she snapped that picture, I was telling him how much Jesus loves him!"

"Andrea is a wonderful director and ambassador for Jesus," says Griselda.
"She offered help, encouragement and lots of hugs for this little one's Mama, especially appreciated after a difficult delivery."

Also in the photo is Dianne Bentz, a beloved volunteer and board member. Getting to be there during these special moments is just one of the perks of being a member of the MFH team!

08/29/2026

August is Make A Will Month! And though August is almost over, you can make a will any time of year -- and you should!

Pew Research Foundations estimates that less than 35 percent of adult Americans have a will. No matter what your age, a will is critical if you want to spare your family the pain and struggle of dealing with your assets IN COURT following your death.

Here are some sites you can visit to explore making a very simple will at no cost or low cost:

Freewill.com
Legalcontracts.com
Trustandwill.com
LegalTemplates.net
https://www.doyourownwill.com/
naepc.org — Directory to find a local estate planning attorney

If you have a will that includes My Father's House, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. Thanks!

FreeWill lets you make your last will and testament quick, easy, and completely free. It is a simple online legal will maker that helps you compile will forms to print and sign, or to take as a basic will template to an estate planning lawyer. FreeWill is built alongside will making experts.

08/28/2026

Last Tuesday, we had the honor of baptizing two of our residents during our usual informal praise and worship time with music led by a staff member's family.

"If I take myself back to the moment I saw them getting baptized, I was humbled and so thankful. They both wanted to publicly make a stand for Jesus Christ!" says Andrea Pickett, executive director.

08/25/2026

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!!

We're asking for our community's help in identifying the people pictured below. These individuals have been on My Father's House, campus on at least four separate occasions in the last week and have caused ongoing concerns. They have stolen items, appeared to be scouting our property, and seem determined to target us.

As a nonprofit shelter serving families in our community, incidents like these divert valuable time and resources away from our mission.

If you recognize any of these individuals or have information that may be helpful, please contact us directly or reach out to local law enforcement. Please do not approach or confront them yourself.

They have been here in the red truck in the picture as well as a motorcycle.

Thank you for helping us keep our residents, staff, and campus safe.
Gresham Police Department

08/24/2026

After years of driving massive trucks, volunteer Bernie retired and decided to sit a while behind our reception desk as a weekly volunteer. She may look tiny next to the giant tire in the photo, but to the My Father's House team, she is BIG on kindness, compassion, enthusiasm and hard work.

Thanks for truckin' along with MFH, Bernie. We love your heart for our staff and residents.

08/21/2026

A Postscript to Our Backpack Thanks!

When Griselda Gonzalez saw the amazing response to our backpack appeal, she wrote:

So many backpacks, each one waiting to begin a new school-year journey with a child.

We had a blast yesterday giving away all of these backpacks! It was such a joyful day, seeing the kids’ happy faces. Some of the kids were so excited about their new backpacks that they didn’t want to take them off! It reminded us of what a gift this was for our families.

We want to thank everyone who stepped in to help make this possible. We truly appreciate you!

We are still receiving backpacks and school supplies, and we're grateful. We have already run out of glue and anticipate serving more families coming in August and September. So, additional backpacks or school supplies are always appreciated.

Thank you again for sharing with the kids here at MFH. --Griselda

08/20/2026

What's better than playing with a baby goat! Or a baby chick ... or what's that over there?!

We love bringing smiles to the kids at My Father's House, and we are so grateful for the generous folks that help us do it.

Many of the children at My Father's House have never had the fun of visiting a zoo or farm. Each new experience widens their worlds and introduces them to educational opportunities too. These adventures also provide an opportunity for them to see God's imagination and how much He loves to create with humor and generosity!