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Dear Down Home Family,
Sometimes the most significant moments begin long before anyone else sees them. Years of prayer. Strategic planning. Listening. Discernment. Countless conversations. Open hands. Faith-filled obedience.
Today, with immense gratitude and excitement, I am humbled to share that on June 15, the Down Home Board of Directors unanimously approved the expansion of Down Home's first branch location in Bismarck, North Dakota.
As I reflect on this moment, I can't help but think about the miracle moments that have led us here. When Down Home began, it started with a simple desire to love our neighbors well by creating homes filled with dignity, hope, and belonging. We had no blueprint for what God would do next, only a willingness to say "yes" and remain steadfast In the Arena placed before us.
Since then, we've watched Him do what only He can do. We've furnished hundreds of homes. We've seen families experience stability after homelessness. We've watched volunteers discover purpose, donors become partners in the mission, and entire communities rally around the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, and that together, we have the power to be part of God's immeasurably more (Luke 9:16).
Every milestone has been a reminder that this has never been our story to write. It has always been God's story, and we've simply had the privilege of faithfully walking where He has led. Over the past several months, I've had the opportunity to spend significant time in the Bismarck community, meeting with dynamic nonprofit leaders, businesses, community members, and faith-filled supporters. In every conversation, I've witnessed the same thing: people who care deeply about their neighbors and a community ready to come together to make a lasting impact, ultimately expanding the Lord's impact through Down Home.
Those relationships have strengthened our confidence that God is already at work in Bismarck. This decision wasn't made because it was easy. It was made because we know we are called to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us and to be obedient to the high and holy calling of serving those emerging from homelessness while activating communities through Down Home's extensive, intentional, and proven model.
If you've heard me speak recently, you've heard me share about stepping In the Arena (inspired by Teddy Roosevelt's legacy of rugged optimism and activation). The arena is where faith moves beyond comfort and into action. It's where preparation meets purpose. It's where we choose courage over certainty because the calling is greater than our fears. This expansion is one of those moments. Launching our first branch in Bismarck is one of those arena moments. We are stepping forward with courage, humility, and open hands, trusting God to continue writing this story.
As we begin this exciting chapter, I want to invite you into what we've been calling the 4 Ps of this expansion. This isn't just Down Home's next step, it is an opportunity for all of us to participate in God's vision together.
- Prayer – Please pray for wisdom, discernment, unwavering faith, and continued obedience as we follow God's leading. Pray for unity, protection, and that every decision would honor Him.
- People – Do you know someone in Bismarck who shares a heart for serving others? We'd love to meet community leaders, churches, businesses, volunteers, and individuals who may want to join this mission. Your introductions could become tomorrow's miracle moments.
- Property – Pray that God would continue to open the right doors and provide the location He has already prepared for Down Home. We are trusting His perfect timing and His perfect provision.
- Philanthropy – We're inviting a special group of Pioneer Investors to help establish Down Home's first branch and create a strong foundation for generations to come. If you or someone you know is inspired to invest in this historic season of the mission, I would love to start that conversation.
As we move forward, we'll continue sharing updates and opportunities to be part of what God is doing in Bismarck. We don't step into the arena because we have every detail figured out. We step in because we've seen God's faithfulness time and time again, and we trust Him with what comes next. We take steps forward with integrity, divine wisdom, spirit of collaboration, fortitude, and faith.
Thank you for believing in Down Home, positioned with such purpose.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for serving.
Thank you for giving.
Thank you for choosing to step into the arena with us.
Every miracle moment has brought us to "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). And I truly believe this is only the beginning.
Blessings,
Jenessa Fillipi
Founder & Executive Director
Down Home
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