Glory House adds 50-plus living options for ‘justice-impacted’ tenants

More than 50 additional places to live now are available for those who might struggle to rent elsewhere, thanks to an expansion at Glory House.

The first phase in 2019 added 25 affordable housing units for justice-impacted individuals to the campus at 4000 S. West Ave.

Phase two, recently completed, expands the scope of available options for housing.

“Our mission is helping people reclaim their lives with Christian passion, resources and support,” said Amber Bartels, housing and special projects manager at Glory House. “But we really focus on helping individuals who have a challenged history.”

That includes people with addiction and who recently were incarcerated.

The first phase was for efficiency apartments. This phase adds 51 units and includes one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as some additional studios, she said.

“We have a scope now that we can offer to individuals,” Bartels said.

The new building also has additional office space, community rooms, conference rooms and a pantry.

Glory House prefers to use the phrase “justice impacted” over “felon-friendly,” Bartels said in an effort to remove the stigma for individuals. “We have a focus on lifting individuals up and seeing them as people, not their crimes or their histories.”

The two phases are adjacent to the Glory House residential treatment campus, so people who are struggling in their recovery journey can access those services too. “They are easily accessible and right on campus,” Bartels said. “We can mitigate some of those barriers for people who can’t get there because it isn’t affordable or they don’t have transportation.”

The services – and additional outpatient services – are voluntary, Bartels said.

For Nancy, who is a Glory House resident, those services have been invaluable.

She heard about Glory House from her parole officer and has lived there for more than two years. “It has been a joy,” said Nancy, who preferred to not use her last name. “It has helped me stay sober. It’s an amazing place to live if you are trying to get your life back on track. I honestly couldn’t have got my life where it is today without the support from living here.”

Bartels said that’s just what Glory House hopes for residents: quality, safe and affordable units for people.

The campus has 76 total units, with a waitlist. There is an application similar to other apartment rental units, and tours are available. There’s also an option for family housing.

“The most important thing here is that we want individuals who maybe have a history of being left out of the new housing opportunities, we have a place for them here,” Bartels said, noting that not all affordable housing built is affordable or available for justice-impacted individuals. “We want these individuals to know they have housing options that are safe and secure, and they will get the support they need here. That’s what makes us unique.”

Bartels said Glory House is working through an updated strategic plan, and that includes looking at development for the recovery community and affordable housing.

“Everyone here is kind and caring and understanding,” Nancy said. “You don’t get judged.”