Meleny's House
Transitional Housing
Meleny's House offers apartment style living to women in The Well restorative safe house program who are ready to embrace a more independent living style.
This property gives them more independence and autonomy while still being supported by the staff at The Well.
Transitioning survivors into Meleny's House also allows us to open more beds at The Well, which means we can serve more women.
Who Is Meleny?
Pastor Miller (pictured here), his wife Meleny, and their two sons lived in the home for 22 years. It was the longest place they had called "home," but their time there was not without its challenges.
Meleny developed unexplained difficulty walking after just a year in the home. In an exploratory surgery, doctors found a benign tumor that encapsulated her spine. The tumor was removed, but it left her with no feeling below her shoulder.
Bound to a wheelchair, the church came alongside to help the family. Despite Meleny's limited mobility, she poured into the lives of the women who brought food and helped with her rehab. The home became a place of rest and restoration and we are honored to serve survivors in the same way.
1977
A Rich History
The 12 bedroom home was originally renovated in 1977 for former pastor Richard Miller and his family, but has sat unused since 2007.
When current pastor, John Heidgerd came to Emmanuel Lutheran, he felt that the parsonage was too big for just him and his wife and it needed a new purpose.
2021
A Worthwhile Blessing
On June 27, 2021 Emmanuel Lutheran Church voted unanimously to offer their parsonage to Worthwhile to use as additional housing.
Pictured L to R is Worthwhile Executive Director, Dan Emr; former pastor, Richard Miller; current pastor, John Heidgerd; and Church Council Chair, Jennifer Casta.
2021
The Community Goes To Work
To make the home livable, plans were drawn up to turn the single family dwelling into three independent apartment units.
Most of the renovation work was completed by volunteer crews. Many churches, businesses, groups, and individuals came together to complete the remaining renovations.
2021
A Helping Hand
Worthwhile received a huge boost of help from Eight Days of Hope (EDOH), who sent 50 volunteers to complete 3 months’ worth of construction in a mere two weeks time.
When the EDOH team pulled up stakes to head home they had completed the demo, framing, interior layout re-configuration, block work, stair installation, window replacements and caps, mechanical work, electrical work, plumbing rough-ins, and everyone’s favorite job - drywall and spackle!
2022
New Beginnings
​In May 2022, the very first Meleny's House participant moved into one of the completed apartments.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the official opening of Meleny's House.
​
We are so grateful for your support in this renovation!