From the beginning, the House of Hope has been “a God thing.”

And, if there were any doubt, it was surely put to rest with the outpouring of giving that assured the House of Hope in Brundidge will open as a transition home for women who are finding their way back into society after battling life-controlling addictions.

The Adult Teen Challenge House of Hope Banquet Friday night at J Michelle’s was a fundraiser for the expenses necessary for the first-year operating expenses for the home.

“Our prayers were for the $30,000 that was necessary to open the House of Hope Adult Teen Challenge Home,” said Mary Poe, who with her husband, Bobby, purchased the home with plans as a place of recovery for those with drug and alcohol addictions.

“Our prayers were exceeded in abundance. That was such a blessing, a God thing, as it has been all along.”

The total amount raised through the House of Hope Banquet was $68,000, which is the estimated annual operating expenses for the House of Hope for two years.

“We never expected that much money to be raised,” Poe said. “The money came in both large donations and small amounts. And the tables that were reserved at the banquet for $800 really helped in the fundraising. What was done, what was raised was amazing.”

Poe said Ed Wilson, Alabama Adult Teen Challenge director, said he had never seen anything like the amount that was raised at the banquet.

“There is no way to say ‘thank you’ to all of those who made it possible,” Poe said. “People just wanted to be involved because they know that so many are hidden in the shadows of addiction. The need is great.  And the community also realizes the importance of providing a place for women to continue their rehabilitation of life controlling problems.

“Already, we have been contacted by three women from the Brundidge area who are interested in the Adult Teen Challenge program. But to come to the House of Hope, it is necessary to successfully complete the 12-month Adult Teen Challenge program. And there are people who want to be a part of providing this opportunity here in Brundidge and Pike County.”

Poe said the extended community support for the House of Hope is the reason the necessary operating funds were raised and exceeded.

“And so many extended helping hands through donations of money, building materials, sweat equity and, then home furnishings,” she said.

Louis Johnson, pastor of The Vine in Troy, said the House of Hope is a ministry that is needed in the community.

“Alabama Adult Teen Challenge is a proven, faith-based ministry and has been for years,” Johnson said. “The Vine has been involved in the restoration of the House of Hope and we will continue to be involved in this very worthwhile ministry.”