Kanawha County church transforms dilapidated house into transitional housing facility

SAINT ALBANS, WV (WOWK) — Hezekiah House, once a dilapidated house in St. Albans, is now a home for men in recovery, courtesy of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Michael Poke, a pastor at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, said that keeping hope alive and providing a safe space in the community is all a part of the mission of the Hezekiah House, which was named in honor of a deceased church member who left the structure to the church, Hezekiah Washington.

The Hezekiah Movement, based in Baltimore, has been around for years and aims to help others create “triumph from tragedy and freedom from captivity.”

“We had started the Hezekiah Movement in Baltimore, Maryland, about 20-something years ago to try and help people in recovery in the city, in an area where there was so much homelessness, so much addiction,” Father Joe McDonough said.

McDonough has been in recovery for 38 years and said that helping others who have been down a similar path is indescribable.

“My life was in turmoil, but by the grace of God and the help of a lot of people, here I am today, and I’m very very very blessed. If it were not for the grace of God and the help of lots and lots of wonderful people, I would not be standing here today,” McDonough said.

The facility can house up to 11 men for an extended stay of one to three years. During this time, they will work on life skills, seek employment and gain independence.

“It touches everyone, no one is exempt. Doesn’t matter who you are, it’s prevalent in the community today,” Poke said.

Hezekiah House staff said the goal is to help those in recovery return to their loved ones. They hope to have the house at capacity by February.

If you or someone you know is interested, visit the church’s website .

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