angie.thompson@gaflnews.com



ADEL — On the road between a man’s homelessness and self-sufficiency is a House of Grace in Adel.

The Super 8 Hotel turned transitional housing facility for men just off I-75 provides a stable structured environment. The programs available there provide up to 28 men at a time opportunities they need for transition to social and economic independence.

“If it wasn’t for the House of Grace, I wouldn’t be alive and sitting here today talking with you,” Jackie Cooper, a resident of the house said.

Cooper, one the veteran residents, said he has benefited the most from the behavioral health and alcohol rehabilitation services it offers.

“We attend AA meetings two times a week and take in as many meetings as possible,” Cooper said.

House of Grace residents have specific responsibilities. Cooper has earned the rank of chore manager.

“He (Cooper) is like a big brother here,” Billie Jean “B.J.” Melton, case manager/social worker. “He is very helpful to the staff.”

Malcolm Pittman arrived at the facility two weeks ago. He is responsible for keeping the living room area clean and tidy.

“I have been through several treatment programs at various facilities,” Pittman said. “The rules here are strict. This is a tough love program with rules to follow.”

Individuals targeted for the House of Grace must first have the desire to make a lifestyle change. They may be completing drug or mental health treatment programs or they may have disabilities. They are all homeless.

“We have had guys here with masters degrees, business degrees. Homelessness is something that can hit any of us and these guys really want to turn their lives around,” Melton said.

Men who enter the program benefit from educational services and professional counseling. They also receive the basic necessities — property nutrition, a room of their own and personal hygiene facilities — they didn’t have before.

Pittman seemed eager to show off his room at the back of the building.

“I don’t mind. We keep our rooms very clean,” Pittman said.

The simple room was tidy and Pittman said regular inspections of rooms are routine. The room does not yet have a television.

“Malcolm has only been here a short time and hasn’t been evaluated yet,” Melton said. “There are phases to earning certain privileges such as televisions and music.”

Cooper said he has found the self-confidence that eluded him for years.He works at a lawn maintenance business and hopes to one day become a partner there. He currently serves on the FEMA Board of Directors in Adel.

“I used to be really shy,” Cooper said. “I was once a 24/7 drinker. The two best things that ever happened to me is I got to walk my daughter down the aisle and now she is expecting me a grandchild.”

Cooper said he never hesitates to tell his story of addition and recovery.

“Anywhere I can go to help some of the young people to tell my story, I am ready to go,” Cooper said.

Pittman said he believes this try at recovery will work because he has turned his life over to Christ and he has forgiven himself for his mistakes.

“All these people here are hope for me. They are staying clean and sober,” Pittman said. “I have struggled with alcohol addiction for 15 years, I have been in jail, and I have been near death. I don’t think I have another recovery in me so this time, I am doing it for me.”

As one of the 27 agencies United Way of South Central Georgia supports, the House of Grace depends on community donations to continue operating.

“The United Way funds help us with the cost of haircuts, clothes for job interviews, washcloths and other needed items,” Melton said. “It has been a real budget crunch with agencies since 9/11. The funding from United Way goes directly to the clients, not to administrative costs to operate,” Melton said.



To contact reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321, ext. 208.